Another Law-Abiding Gun Owner Caught in the Patchwork — Why National Reciprocity Can’t Wait

For decades, one bill has stood above the rest as a top federal priority for Second Amendment advocates: National Concealed Carry Reciprocity. Last week, the New York City metro area once again proved exactly why it’s needed.

Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Rasheed Walker was arrested at LaGuardia Airport after doing what millions of lawful gun owners do every year—properly declaring an unloaded, locked, and secured handgun at the airline ticket counter. That process is routine across most of the United States and fully compliant with airline policy and federal guidance.

Unfortunately for Walker, that Delta ticket counter was located in New York—one of the most hostile jurisdictions in the country for lawful gun owners traveling from free states. Because Walker does not possess a New York carry permit (one that is effectively unavailable to nonresidents), he was arrested and charged with felony weapons offenses. He now faces court proceedings despite making a good-faith effort to follow the rules.

This isn’t an isolated incident. For years, law-abiding Americans have been ensnared by a byzantine maze of state and local gun laws that vary wildly from one jurisdiction to the next. Even experienced gun owners can unknowingly become criminals simply by crossing a state line—or landing at the wrong airport. The problem isn’t carelessness. The problem is the impossible standard imposed on gun owners.

There are thousands of gun laws nationwide, layered across federal, state, county, and municipal levels. Expecting ordinary citizens to instantly know and comply with all of them, especially while traveling, is not realistic, fair, or constitutional. Cases like this are why the situation is often described not just as draconian, but criminalizing. Innocent people are arrested, bankrupted by legal fees, and traumatized—all for exercising a fundamental right.

Federal law, specifically the Firearms Owners Protection Act (FOPA), was meant to protect travelers transporting firearms between states where they are lawful. Yet jurisdictions like New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. routinely ignore both the spirit and letter of that law. Travelers are often told to “tell it to the judge,” forced to surrender their firearms, and pressured into plea deals simply to avoid prolonged, out-of-state legal battles they cannot afford. This is not public safety. This is punishment by paperwork.

Imagine flying from gun-friendly Montana to gun-friendly New Hampshire. Your firearm is properly checked and declared. Weather forces an unexpected landing in New York City. You retrieve your luggage—and suddenly you’re facing felony charges. That’s not hypothetical. It’s happened before, and it will happen again unless federal law changes. Permit holders are among the most law-abiding citizens in the nation, yet they are treated like criminals simply for traveling.

This is exactly why we need National Concealed Carry Reciprocity, such as H.R. 38, the Constitutional Carry Reciprocity Act. A constitutional right should not evaporate at state borders. It’s also why we need national standards for lawful self-defense. The right to defend yourself—and the tools to do so—should not depend on whether you’re standing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or New York. President Donald Trump has indicated he would sign reciprocity legislation if it reached his desk. The only thing standing in the way is Congress.

Call your Congressman or Congresswoman. Demand national concealed carry reciprocity. Demand uniform self-defense standards (202) 224-3121.

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we know how confusing and dangerous interstate travel can be for lawful gun owners. That’s why we encourage customers to call our knowledgeable staff before traveling.

We can help you:

• Understand general airline firearm procedures

  
  

• Flag known high-risk jurisdictions

  
  

• Discuss lawful transport options

  
  

• Plan safer alternatives when traveling through hostile states

  
  

While no one can memorize thousands of gun laws, being informed, and prepared, can make all the difference. As Southern Minnesota’s premierIndoor Range and Firearm Store, 2 If By Sea Tactical is more than a place to train and shop, we’re a trusted source for Second Amendment news, education, and advocacy.

Cases like Rasheed Walker’s are sobering reminders of what’s at stake. Gun control doesn’t just target criminals, it ensnares ordinary Americans trying to do the right thing. Stay informed. Stay prepared. And don’t stay silent. Because constitutional rights shouldn’t require a lawyer at every airport.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world.  As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.

Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.