Twenty years ago, carrying a concealed weapon in public was strictly controlled or illegal in nearly half of U.S. states. Fewer than five million Americans had a concealed-carry permit. Today, carrying a concealed firearm is legal in all fifty states. And the number of permit holders has risen to nearly 13 million Americans. Most of these cite self-defense as the primary reason for carrying a gun outside the home. But critics of these laws say the latest research shows no clear connection between carrying a gun and preventing violence. Diane and guests discuss the rise of concealed-carry gun laws in the states and what it means for individual freedom and public safety.

Guests

Evan Osnos  staff writer, The New Yorker magazine; author of “Making a Killing: The Business and Politics of Selling Guns” (The New Yorker, June 27, 2016)

John Donohue  professor, Stanford Law School

Tim Schmidt  president and founder, U.S. Concealed Carry Association; publisher of Concealed Carry Magazine

Antonia Okafor  southwest director, Students for Concealed-Carry