AG nominee Pam Bondi's mixed record on Second Amendment raises 'red flags'

by F Riehl

6:00am Friday, December 06, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his choice for U.S. Attorney General following Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal for U.S. attorney general.

Bondi’s nomination is expected to face smoother confirmation in the Senate, but her record on gun rights has sparked concerns among Second Amendment advocates.

Mixed record on gun rights

During her tenure as Florida’s attorney general (2011-2019), Bondi gained attention for both defending and restricting gun rights. She supported Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” law and opposed federal semi-automatic weapon bans. However, she also defended the state’s gun control measures enacted after the tragic Parkland shooting in 2018. These measures raised the age for firearm purchases to 21 and implemented “red flag” laws, which allow courts to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed dangerous temporarily.

Some gun rights groups have expressed frustration with Bondi’s record. Florida Carry’s general counsel, Eric Friday, described her tenure as marked by “anti-gun decisions.” The NRA also clashed with Bondi over her defense of post-Parkland laws, accusing her of “bullying” tactics in court proceedings.

Senate confirmation likely

Despite her controversial record on firearms, Bondi’s nomination is expected to garner support from Senate Republicans. She has been a staunch ally of Trump, working on his legal defense teams during his impeachment trials and challenging the results of the 2020 presidential election. Her experience as a prosecutor and her high-profile role at the America First Policy Institute have bolstered her credentials.

Trump described Bondi as “dedicated to justice and law and order,” emphasizing her ability to address pressing issues like crime, trafficking, and opioid abuse. Supporters like Sen. Lindsey Graham have expressed enthusiasm for her confirmation, calling it a “grand slam” pick.

What Bondi’s nomination means for gun rights

Second Amendment advocates are watching closely. Many are concerned about whether Bondi will support federal gun control measures, such as age restrictions and national red flag laws. Her past support for these policies in Florida raises questions about her approach to ongoing lawsuits challenging gun bans and her stance on restoring gun rights to non-violent felons.

While Bondi has yet to publicly address these issues in her new role, Second Amendment groups are likely to press her for answers during the confirmation process. Whether she can reconcile her past positions with Trump’s pro-gun platform remains a key question for gun owners and lawmakers alike.

As the confirmation hearings approach, Bondi’s gun rights record will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of her nomination. For now, her supporters and critics alike await her stance on the future of the Second Amendment under her leadership.

Republished with permission from AmmoLand.