Ordinary People examines the gun lobby’s frequent claim that gun owners—and concealed carry permit holders in particular—are the most law-abiding citizens in our country. We grant this is probably true in many cases, but argue that gun owners are human beings—subject to the same issues of stress, depression, substance abuse and mental illness; which can sometimes lead to criminal behavior and tragedy. Furthermore, it has become apparent that the screening process in most states does little or nothing to stop dangerous individuals from purchasing firearms and/or obtaining permits to carry concealed handguns.

List of Mass Shootings by Concealed Handgun Permit Holders in 2009