Gun control Coverage

Stolen firearm found at Hobbton Middle School, juvenile in custody

A stolen gun was found on a Sampson County school campus Wednesday, leading to a juvenile being taken into police custody.

WRAL Staff

State senator, Hedingham resident: Words without deeds don't amount to a lot

For Dan Blue, a state senator and resident of Raleigh's Hedingham community, the cycle of mass shooting, mourning, thoughts, prayers and questions is one that happens again and again.

Chris Lovingood, WRAL anchor/reporter

Editorial: 'A Modest Proposal' for UNC campuses safety

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023 -- Every UNC student must demonstrate they understand gun safety know how to use a firearm. In their freshman year they must take and pass the official Concealed Carry course. A mere eight hours of instruction. Students will be able to carry weapons to confront threats.

UNC students push back against gun comments from NC House speaker

UNC students are demanding action against gun violence after two lockdowns in less than three weeks.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

Top NC lawmaker questions effectiveness of gun-free zones

After two gun-related lockdowns at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the recent weeks, North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore is questioning whether the campus should remain a gun-free zone.

'Clearly not working': After UNC lockdowns, top NC lawmaker questions effectiveness of gun-free zones

After two gun-related lockdowns at UNC-Chapel Hill in the recent weeks, NC House Speaker Tim Moore is questioning whether the campus should remain a gun-free zone.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

UNC students demand action on gun violence

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students on Tuesday rallied outside the state legislative building, demanding lawmakers take meaningful steps to end gun violence.

UNC student activists rally against gun violence in Raleigh

Just 15 days after an on-campus shooting claimed the life of a professor, University of North Carolina students and activists rallied together in an effort to combat gun violence.

Destinee Patterson and Brett Knese, WRAL reporters

Why have there been so many mass shootings this year?

If it feels like mass shootings are in the news almost every day lately, that's because they are. If this pace keeps up, it could be one of the worst years for mass shootings ever. Let's take a look at what could be driving this horrible trend?

Bill would loosen rules for carrying a concealed weapon

People would no longer have to pass proficiency tests or background checks -- or prove that they know the rules around self-defense -- to be able to carry concealed weapons, if this bill becomes law.

Concealed carry permits one step closer to becoming optional in North Carolina

North Carolinians would be allowed to carry concealed guns without a permit, under House Bill 189. The bill is opposed by law enforcement, but supported by gun rights activists.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC lawmakers debate getting rid of concealed carry permit requirement

House Bill 189 would get rid of the background check, legal training and firearms proficiency test that North Carolina currently requires to carry a concealed weapon. Instead it would open up concealed carry to anyone who is over 18 and can legally own a gun.

Editorial: Keeping guns out of dangerous hands doesn't weaken Second Amendment

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 -- Why isn't it common sense among North Carolina legislators to do more, not less, so guns don't get into the hands of those who we know will make our communities more dangerous?

North Carolina ends pistol permit system

No longer will North Carolinians buying a handgun need to get permission first from their local sheriff. They'll still need a federal background check to buy from a licensed dealer, which means handgun purchases in the state will be treated the same as rifles and shotguns.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter.

NC House votes whether to loosen gun restrictions

North Carolina's Republican-controlled Senate voted Tuesday to override the Democratic governor's first veto of the session on legislation to loosen gun restrictions. The House is scheduled to hold an override vote Wednesday morning.

Editorial: Close gun loopholes, don't open more and make things more dangerous

Tuesday, March 21, 2023 -- Legislation to appease big campaign donors shouldn't come at the cost of North Carolinians' safety. It is no affront to true gun rights to make sure firearms don't end up in the hands of those who are adjudicated as a danger to their communities or themselves.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: N.C. convenient shopping

Tuesday, March 21, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

NC lawmakers discuss opposing gun bills

Rob Steele lost his fiancée in the October 2022 shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood. On Tuesday, Steele joined state Democratic lawmakers to advocate for changes to the state's gun laws.

'My life forever changed': Fiancé of Raleigh mass shooting victim advocates for gun safety bills

Rob Steele lost his fiancée in the October 2022 shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood. On Tuesday, Steele joined state Democratic lawmakers to advocate for changes to the state's gun laws.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

NC House votes in favor of repealing pistol permit rules for gun buyers

Are North Carolina's pistol permit rules an outdated relic of Jim Crow, or a necessary tool to stop criminals and people with serious mental issues from buying handguns? State lawmakers don't see eye to eye on the debate.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Repeal of pistol permit law means more guns, gun violence in Black communities, advocates warn

Advocates for Black communities sayd their communities already suffer disproportionately from the effects of gun violence, and repealing the law that requires a permit for a pistol purchase would only make that worse by putting more guns on the streets.

Racial justice advocates oppose repeal of pistol permit law

Advocates for racial justice and rural communities spoke out Monday against proposals to repeal the state law requiring a permit to purchase a handgun, saying their communities are already disproportionately suffering from gun violence.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

GOP lawmakers try to roll back gun purchase, carry limits

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to veto bills loosening gun restrictions. But this is the first time since 2018 the Republican-led legislature has had a real chance to override his vetoes.

NC lawmakers propose making it easier to buy pistols, carry concealed weapons

A series of firearm bills are moving through legislative committees -- proposals on everything from safe storage initiatives to pistol purchase permits to who can carry guns in places of worship and nonpublic schools, among other bills.

Since Sandy Hook, 200 school shootings, thousands of victims

Twenty students and six educators died in the massacre at the Newtown, Connecticut, school which shocked the nation. Since that time, WRAL Data Trackers found there have been 209 school shootings nationwide. Fourteen of those have happened in North Carolina.

By ZEKE MILLER, AP White House Correspondent