South Dakota governor and potential 2024 presidential candidate Kristi Noem spoke at a National Rifle Association (NRA) event in Indiana to reassure the organization that her nearly two-year-old granddaughter has multiple guns. The governor also signed an executive order banning state agencies from working with banks that "discriminate" against firearm-related businesses.
During her speech, Ms. Noem said, "My granddaughter Addie and Branch already have several guns." She continued by stating the importance of protecting the constitutional right to bear arms for future generations.
Governor Noem also took aim at Democratic officials who she accused of exploiting tragedies such as mass shootings to push for gun reform measures. One example she cited was last year's attack on an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas where a gunman killed 19 children.
Speakers at the NRA event largely focused their remarks on pushing back against Democratic demands for urgent gun reform measures, including reviving a federal ban on assault weapons used during recent incidents in Louisville and Nashville.
In addition to Governor Noem's address, former Vice President Mike Pence and former President Donald Trump made appearances at the NRA event. Both Republican figures emphasized their support for Second Amendment rights amid ongoing debates over gun control policies across America.
The right to bear arms remains a divisive issue within American politics as firearms continue being marketed towards children despite repeated instances of gun violence and mass shootings throughout the country.
As part of her commitment to preserving Second Amendment rights, Governor Noem recently signed an executive order aimed at preventing financial institutions from infringing upon these liberties: "I am proud to sign this executive order today to protect our God-given right to keep and bear arms."
This latest move by South Dakota's governor highlights just how contentious discussions surrounding firearm ownership can become when it comes down not only personal freedom but also matters concerning public safety and the role of government in regulating access to weapons.