Guns Coverage

New gunfire detection technology can help quicken response time for Durham police

Data shows police are getting to incidents with ShotSpotter alerts significantly faster.

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending May 18

A look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted during the previous week.

Targeted News Service

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis on guns, debt, immigration and the economy

North Carolina's senior U.S. senator sat down with WRAL on a range of topics.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

At least 17 car break-ins reported overnight in Wake Forest, guns and valuables stolen

Wake Forest Police are again urging residents not to leave valuable items and weapons in their vehicles after a rash of car break-ins occurred overnight.

NC abortion bill would close loophole in state gun laws

A provision tucked into the 47-page abortion bill on Gov. Roy Cooper's desk would close a loophole in North Carolina law that currently allows some domestic abusers to buy guns.

Fix to domestic violence loophole added to abortion bill

A provision tucked into the 47-page abortion bill on Gov. Roy Cooper's desk would close a loophole in North Carolina law that currently allows some domestic abusers to buy guns.

Provision in NC abortion bill would close loophole in gun law

A provision tucked into the 47-page abortion bill on Gov. Roy Cooper's desk would close a loophole in North Carolina law that currently allows some domestic abusers to buy guns.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol bureau chief

DRAUGHON DRAWS: GOP's AR-15 upgrade

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

Why NC lawmakers didn't repeal the concealed carry permit

House Bill 189 would have allowed anyone 18 and older who can legally own a gun to carry it concealed without getting a permit from their local sheriff. Sponsor Rep. Keith Kidwell, R-Beaufort County, said the current law requiring a concealed carry permit is unconstitutional.

Family and friends hold prayer vigil for 15-year-old killed during spring break

More than 20 people gathered in Goldsboro Friday night for a prayer vigil to remember Joyanna Pearsall, who lost her life at a spring break party.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

Major NC gun bill delayed, may be done for legislative session

A bill that would let people carry concealed weapons without a permit was dropped from the House calendar Wednesday, signaling a lack of support. And the Senate's top Republican says now's not the time to pass it.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

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.

Fact check: How did Democratic House leader respond to Tricia Cotham's missed vote?

State Rep. Tricia Cotham said that, a week before she switched parties, Minority Leader Robert Reives "sent out a statement ... encouraging us to resign and/or (face) a primary challenge."

Paul Specht, PolitiFact reporter

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.

Security increased Friday after student brings airsoft gun to school

You will see more police cars around Middle Creek High School Friday morning. The added security comes one day after a student brought an airsoft gun into the school.

NC Republicans want to ban banks from shutting out gun makers and owners

Three bills passed the House Banking Committee at the state legislature Thursday, dictating who banks must do business with and what types of records they can or can't keep.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Extra security at Middle Creek High School Friday after student brings airsoft gun to school

Middle Creek High School in Cary and several surrounding schools were on lockdown Thursday morning after a student reported witnessing another student with a firearm in the school bathroom.

Brett Knese, WRAL multimedia journalist

New fingerprint and facial recognition safety gun now available in the U.S

A Colorado-based company hopes its new firearms will help keep people safe. "Biofire Tech," says its guns use fingerprint and facial-recognition technology that only lets authorized users fire the weapons.

In short political career, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson leaves long trail of controversial statements

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's comments about abortion, guns and gender have excited the Republican base, but they've also drawn outrage from liberals and sparked concern among GOP campaign strategists.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

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?

Unlocked cars contribute to a high rise in gun cases among juveniles

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety says that over the past two years, one of the main ways kids get quick access to these weapons is by stealing from unlocked vehicles.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

Unlocked vehicles contribute to increased stolen gun cases

The number of stolen gun cases is on the rise, and many of these weapons are getting into the hands of juveniles, according to law enforcement.

Fact check: Do loose gun laws lead to more gun deaths?

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., one of Congress' leading advocates of stricter gun laws, recently tweeted a statistic that he said shows that more restrictive gun laws can save lives.

Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact reporter

Police: Man threatened people with gun in Goldsboro Walmart

A man faces several charges, including child abuse, after police say he threatened people with a gun inside a Goldsboro Walmart!