The 39th annual Gun Rights Policy Conference, co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA), was held on Sept. 27-29 at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley.
The theme of this year’s event was “Empower, Educate and Defend!” The conference was attended by hundreds of gun rights advocates and activists, and featured an impressive roster of leaders in the Second Amendment movement. Nearly 40 speakers offered presentations on a variety of subjects including legislation, the upcoming campaigns for the 2024 elections, firearms litigation and more. Speakers included the legendary Massad Ayoob, constitutional attorney Mark Smith, Congressman Darrell Issa, commentator John Fund, and fan favorite “guntuber” Jared Yanis.
DRGO was well represented by Drs. John Edeen, Sean Brodale, and Hayes Wanamaker, all of whom engaged with many attendees at our table and at the receptions and other events, and spread the word about the role we play in providing accurate information regarding “gun violence” studies and advocacy for such issues as minimizing hearing loss via the use of suppressors.
As SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb observed, “The timing and importance of this year’s conference cannot be overstated. With the national elections just over the horizon and the Second Amendment under constant attack, this weekend’s gathering takes on a special significance. “
One message came through clearly across many speakers: In this challenging environment, we must all work together. Many 2nd amendment advocacy organizations are coordinating their efforts. In addition, major firearms companies, notably Sig Sauer, recognize that their continued viability depends on successful outcomes in the fight against regulatory, legislative and judicial infringement on the 2nd amendment, and are committing significant resources as well.
DRGO must and will continue to play an important role in providing sound scientific facts and evidence to make sure that the distortions, misrepresentations and misinformation regarding firearms and public health do not go unchallenged.
The agenda and full list of speakers can be found here.
The conference talks for all the sessions can be found on SAF’s YouTube page
Please join us next year!
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— Hayes Wanamaker, MD practiced Otology/Neurotology for more than 30 years in Syracuse, NY, holding local, state and national leadership positions. He is a certified range safety officer concerned with noise-induced hearing loss, situational awareness training and Second Amendment legal issues.