Kemp backs new gun laws ahead of legislative session, reelection bid

Citing the rise in crime and promising to fulfill promises made during his 2018 campaign, Governor Brian Kemp officially backed legislation to make carrying a gun in Georgia easier. 

“There’s no question that we are living in challenging times,” Governor Brian Kemp said. “We are witnessing liberal states and cities demonize law enforcement, defund local police departments, undermine public safety, and threaten the security of countless American families.”

Surrounded by members of the General Assembly, NRA, GA2A, and the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation Kemp made it clear he wants the legislature to pass a bill that would allow Georgians to carry guns in public without a permit. 

“I believe the United States Consitution grants the citizens of our state the right to carry a firearm without state government approval,” Kemp said. 

“For law-abiding Georgians, the 2nd Amendment is their carry permit, and I look forward to working with members of the General Assembly to get Constitutional Carry across the finish line this legislative session.”

Gov. Brian Kemp

The announcement comes as the governor faces a brutal reelection campaign this year. 

Former U.S. Senator David Perdue, who has the backing of Former President Donald Trump, is challenging Kemp for the GOP nomination. 

According to the AJC, Perdue recently promised to pass a “similar proposal.” 

Georgia Democrats greeted the announcement with disdain. 

“We cannot continue to let those who know nothing of gun safety put the lives of our children on the line,” Congresswoman Lucy McBath, whose son was shot and killed, said in a statement. “These irresponsible laws are dangerous for law enforcement, dangerous for families, and they have no place in our state.”