Grand Rapids Mayor Says Gun Owners Should Be “Ashamed” — Here’s Why That Matters
- Austin Reville
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
When elected officials say the quiet part out loud, gun owners should pay attention. Recently, Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand made headlines during a community meeting where he veered from discussing policing issues into a broad denunciation of gun ownership itself. His comments were not subtle.
“I think if you got a gun, you should be ashamed of yourself. I really do.”
He repeated the sentiment, suggesting that gun owners should engage in “self-reflection,” and even floated the idea that communities should begin “shaming” gun possession. At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we don’t get angry when politicians speak plainly about their beliefs. In fact, clarity is helpful. It reveals exactly how some in positions of power truly view the Second Amendment — and the citizens who exercise it. We are seeing this here in Minnesota.
What Was Said
During the meeting, Mayor LaGrand made several sweeping claims:
“No one gardens with a gun. No one changes a tire with a gun. What they are for is killing human beings.”
He compared gun ownership to cigarette smoking, saying owners “should also be ashamed.” He also suggested the community should normalize shaming gun possession. Mayor LaGrand even questioned the use of police K-9 units, saying if his own dog behaved like one seen in a video, he’d “put my dog down.”
These remarks weren’t narrowly focused policy critiques. They were broad moral judgments aimed directly at lawful gun owners. That includes veterans. Small business owners. Single mothers. Competitive shooters. Hunters. Concealed carry permit holders. And countless others who responsibly exercise a constitutional right.
The Bigger Issue
The most telling part wasn’t any one quote — it was the mindset behind them. The idea that simply owning a firearm is something shameful reveals a deeper belief: that the right to keep and bear arms is inherently suspect. The Second Amendment is not a lifestyle preference. It is a constitutional guarantee.
In Michigan — as in many states — firearm preemption laws prevent municipalities from creating their own patchwork of local gun bans. That means even if a mayor personally disapproves of gun ownership, he cannot simply legislate it away. That’s not a loophole. That’s the Constitution working as designed.
The Inevitable Walk-Back
After backlash, Mayor LaGrand issued a “clarifying” statement saying his comments reflected “personal frustration and deep sorrow,” not impending policy changes. He acknowledged that the Second Amendment and state law limit what a municipal leader can do. That acknowledgment is important. Because while rhetoric may shift with the political winds, constitutional protections remain.
Why This Matters Beyond Michigan
When public officials openly say gun owners should be ashamed, it does two things:
It exposes how disconnected some policymakers are from the communities they serve.
It underscores why constitutional safeguards and preemption laws are essential.
The Second Amendment community isn’t a faceless lobbying force. It’s millions of everyday Americans — including many in Grand Rapids — who believe in protecting their families and preserving their freedoms. Mocking that commitment doesn’t make it disappear.
A Moment for Real Reflection
If there’s any self-reflection to be done, it’s not by lawful gun owners. It’s by voters evaluating the leaders they elect. It’s by policymakers reconsidering whether scolding constituents is an effective or appropriate approach.
It’s by anyone who believes constitutional rights are subject to personal opinion. At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we’re grateful for the constitutional structure that prevents individual municipal officials from turning emotional reactions into binding law. Rights protected by the Constitution don’t require apology. They certainly don’t require shame. Stay informed. Stay engaged. And never forget that constitutional protections exist precisely for moments like this.
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.
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