The profile of gun ownership in the United States has historically been associated with white, rural, and Republican demographics. However, recent data suggests a shift, with an increasing number of liberals, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals purchasing firearms, particularly in the wake of the 2024 election.

Lara Smith, a national spokesperson for the Liberal Gun Club, reports a significant rise in membership since the election of President Trump, with many individuals seeking training due to perceived threats in their communities. For instance, a Black doctor from Maryland, who grew up in an environment where toy guns were prohibited, now practices regularly at a shooting range, citing fears of civil unrest and potential violence against minorities.

This trend is corroborated by David Phillips, a member of the Liberal Gun Club, who notes that membership has increased from 2,700 to 4,500, with training requests having quintupled. He expresses concern that right-wing supporters may feel empowered to act violently against marginalized groups.

The White House has dismissed these concerns, attributing political violence to rhetoric from the left, while many individuals interviewed for the report argue that the president's language dehumanizes others and contributes to a climate of fear.

The surge in gun ownership among these groups is part of a broader trend, with a University of Chicago study indicating a 7 percentage point increase in gun ownership among Democrats from 2010 to 2022. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the January 6 Capitol riot have also been identified as significant factors driving this increase.

Despite the rise in gun ownership, individuals express a desire to use firearms solely for self-defense rather than engaging in violence. Many emphasize that their motivations are rooted in a need for personal safety rather than aggression. Bill Sack, from the Second Amendment Foundation, acknowledges the increase in liberal gun ownership but questions the underlying fears that prompt such actions.