Up First from NPR Why More Liberals Are Buying Guns
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Jan 11, 2026 
Frank Langfitt, NPR's roving national correspondent, dives into the surprising surge of gun ownership among liberals, people of color, and LGBTQ communities since Trump’s second inauguration. He shares compelling stories, like those of new gun owners driven by fear and the growing interest in liberal gun clubs. Langfitt discusses how political rhetoric influences this trend, highlights the increasing demand for inclusive training, and examines the motivations behind shifting attitudes toward firearms in diverse communities.
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Father Buys First Gun Over Political Fears
- Charles, a Black liberal suburban father, bought his first gun after Trump's second term and trains weekly at a Maryland range.
- He says he prepared for potential civil unrest to protect his family rather than for ordinary crime.
Liberal Gun Ownership Is Rising
- Frank Langfitt found a measurable rise in liberal gun interest since Trump's second inauguration across clubs and trainers.
- The Liberal Gun Club grew from 2,700 to 4,500 members and requests for training quintupled.
Daughter Learns To Shoot With Her Father
- Charles brought his 19-year-old daughter Charlie to the range so she could learn to shoot for self-protection.
- Charlie says learning to shoot makes her feel strong and less vulnerable to racial or political targeting.