Podcast appearances and mentions of stephen gutowski

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent ruling in the Washington State Supreme Court regarding the removal of gun rights from people with multiple convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol and then we talk about the Florida Attorney General's approach to defending their arm guns laws. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're talking about a new legal agreement that would end Florida's waiting periods on gun purchases. To discuss the ins and outs of the agreement, we have the gun-rights lawyer who negotiated it on the show. That's Matt Larosiere. He filed a Second Amendment suit against the law alongside Mountain States and the National Rifle Association. Larosiere said Florida's waiting periods, which can range up to five days in parts of the state and apply to all kinds of gun sales, are unconstitutional. He argued there is nothing in the historical record that looks like modern waiting periods, as required by the Supreme Court's Bruen standard. He also said the state can no longer justify them on the idea that they give law enforcement space to complete a background check. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (R.) apparently agrees. Instead of defending the law, Uthmeier offered to agree to a judgment blocking its enforcement. He doesn't think there's a viable path to defend the law's constitutionality. That's been a bit of a trend for Uthmeier recently, as he also recently declined to appeal a ruling against the state's open-carry ban. Larosiere agreed the moves are symbolic of Florida's odd gun politics. After all, the state still has a number of gun restrictions rare in red states despite Republicans controlling the government for years and years.Special Guest: Matt Larosiere.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a new filing from Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones in defense of the state's new "assault firearm" ban, where he claimed the Virginia state constitution does not protect an individual right to bear arms. We also cover the DOJ's latest Second Amendment investigation into the city of Philadelphia's pattern of subjective gun-permit revocations. Stories -https://thereload.com/analysis-how-virginia-is-defending-its-new-ar-15-ban-in-court-member-exclusive/ -https://thereload.com/doj-opens-second-amendment-investigation-into-philadelphia-police/ -https://thereload.com/supreme-court-turns-down-doj-appeal-in-non-violent-felon-gun-case/ -https://thereload.com/texas-senate-candidate-talarico-says-hed-break-with-democrats-on-guns-offers-no-specifics/

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a rather complicated series of events involving the NRA and it's various component parts and how those parts might be splitting up and what that might mean moving forward.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're looking at a sorely undercovered national story: the murder rate is declining at an incredible rate. At the same time, the suicide rate is headed the other way. To explore why that divergence has happened, we've got Pew Research Center's John Gramlich on the show to discuss the details. He wrote a piece looking at the most recent FBI and CDC data on gun murder and suicide. He said the results are remarkable. The murder rate is plummeting. It's back to pre-pandemic levels and shows no sign of leveling off. Gramlich said the decline is incredible and rare. He also described how the role of guns in murder has changed over time as well. The post-pandemic data shows that the portion of guns used in murders has shifted significantly. The same is true for the portion of gun deaths that are due to suicides rather than murders. Largely, Gramlich noted, because murders have fallen substantially while suicides have gone up a bit. Even though the gun suicide rate didn't climb dramatically, as the gun murder rate did in 2020, it has slowly climbed to near-record rates. Meanwhile, Gramlich said crime data from sources beyond the FBI and CDC indicate the gun murder rate is nearing record lows. Here's a link to John's piece: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/04/28/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-us/Special Guest: John Gramlich.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover new data showing Virginia's monthly gun sales doubling year-over-year, landing it in the number 2 spot in the nation for long gun sales, as the state's new "assault firearm" ban is set to take effect. We also cover the legal fight over the state's universal background check law, where gun-rights groups successfully convinced a judge to continue preventing its enforcement for now. Stories: -https://thereload.com/gun-rights-groups-warn-virginia-police-against-enforcing-enjoined-background-check-law/ -https://thereload.com/analysis-how-a-scotus-footnote-keeps-dooming-silencer-challenges-member-exclusive/

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the slow, halting progress of the DOJ's promised gun rights restoration plan and then the guys talk football for way too long. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're looking into reporting on racism in New Jersey's gun permitting process. That's why we're talking to Aymann Ismail of Slate Magazine, who both experienced issues with his own gun application and interviewed many other minorities in the same situation. He said a Newark permitting official had withdrawn his first gun purchase permit application against his will over an old trespassing misdemeanor that shouldn't have disqualified him. It wasn't until later that he found he wasn't alone in having trouble getting a license. One Ismail began talking to other minority gun owners in New Jersey he found out many of them had issues with the system. Whether it was long delays or outright denials for improper reasons, he said it was a recurring problem. Then he talked to an activist tracking the disparity between applicants who found there was a ten-to-one denial rate for black New Jersians compared to white ones, and that was for applicants without disqualifying records. Ismail also discussed how he personally went from growing up afraid of guns in Newark to taking range trips with his brother to finally buying a Sig Sauer pistol. He talked about why he often feels uncomfortable and out of place in gun spaces as an arab muslim. But he aslo explained why he decided to buy a gun anyway, and where he thinks he'll go from here as a new gun owner.Special Guest: Aymann Ismail.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover a new analysis of violent crime data that appears to show a further record drop in murder. We also discuss New York Governor Kathy Hochul's signing of a novel restriction on 3D printers aimed at preventing them from being used to create gun parts. Stories: -https://thereload.com/report-america-on-track-for-lowest-murder-rate-ever/ -https://thereload.com/new-york-bans-digital-gun-files-aims-at-3d-printers-capable-of-using-them/ -https://thereload.com/eighth-circuit-dismisses-challenge-to-minnesota-gun-carry-reciprocity-restrictions/ -https://thereload.com/analysis-where-is-dojs-gun-rights-restoration-plan-member-exclusive/ -https://www.virginiascope.com/virginia-state-police-to-start-background-checks-on-private-gun-sales-again/

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss what role if any gun rights or gun politics might play in how people vote in this year's midterm elections. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're taking gun policy and politics questions from our members. It's been a while since we've done a Q&A, and quite a lot has happened. So, we're answering everything we can fit into an hour-long podcast. Turns out that's a lot! Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I tackle all sorts of topics. We cover everything from the latest on the Department of Justice lawsuits against Colorado and Denver's magazine and AR-15 bans to the Supreme Court's appetite for new Second Amendment cases to the future of the National Firearms Act. We also discuss the ATF rule changing record-keeping requirements for background checks.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover a recent ruling out of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals striking down New York's default ban on licensed carry in publicly accessible private property. We also discuss the absence of gun policy in public opinion polls, the ATF's assurances to trans gun owners regarding its proposed gender rule, and the rise in Virginia prosecutors pledging not to enforce the state's "assault firearm" ban. Stories: -https://thereload.com/second-circuit-strikes-down-new-york-vampire-rule/ -https://thereload.com/analysis-voters-put-guns-way-down-the-totem-poll-headed-into-the-midterms-member-exclusive/ -https://thereload.com/atf-says-gender-id-rule-change-isnt-a-trans-gun-ban/ -https://thereload.com/some-virginia-prosecutors-refuse-to-enforce-new-gun-bans/ -https://www.thetrace.org/2026/05/philadelphia-black-lions-gun-permits/ -https://www.npr.org/2026/05/20/nx-s1-5810190/gun-rights-trump-rules-atf

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the new restrictive gun laws that Virginia Governor Spanberger just signed into law and the many legal challenges that are sure to follow.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're speaking directly to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The bureau just released dozens of new gun rule proposals. We've examined the details of them ourselves, we've discussed them with representatives of the gun industry, and now we're hearing directly from the man who spearheaded the effort. That's ATF Chief Counsel Robert Leider. He joins the show to explain the bureau's thinking on the dozens of changes. He claims the ATF's goal was to streamline and, especially, modernize the gun buying process. Leider said the goal was both to remove burdens on gun owners and gun dealers, especially as a contrast to the previous administration's "zero-tolerance" approach to industry oversight. He said he looked to shrink the background check form down as small as possible while still complying with federal law. Leider also said he found ways to shrink the burden on gun businesses as well, primarily by allowing them to store records electronically and by reducing how long they need to keep them. He then responded to criticism that the time should be reduced even further than what the ATF has proposed. Additionally, Leider directly said the rule requiring anyone filling out any ATF form to use their birth gender is not a trans gun ban. He said even if the gender listed on somebody's state ID did not match what the ATF is telling them to put on the background check form, it wouldn't result in a gun sale denial. He also said the ATF plans to offer official guidance to gun stores on how to handle situations like that once the rule is finalized. Leider also defended the breadth of many of the rules. He said they were designed to survive legal scrutiny, which the larger swings the bureau took under the Biden Administration couldn't.Special Guest: Robert Leider.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signing bans on so-called assault weapons and magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds into law. We also talk about the latest financial reports for the NRA, which reveal plenty of signs of improvement for the group but also some risks. Stories: -https://thereload.com/virginia-jumps-to-second-in-rifle-sales-as-ar-15-ban-looms/ -https://thereload.com/nra-slashed-legal-costs-stalled-decline-despite-continued-member-dues-drop/ -https://thereload.com/ukrainians-debate-whether-they-should-liberalize-civilian-gun-ownership/ -https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/13/us/ak-47.html

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss some of the new rules laid out by the BATFand explain how they could actually streamline the gun buying process and fundamentally change the way people purchase firearms. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're looking at what makes up the bulk of the ATF's new gun rule package: industry regulations. To discuss how the rulemaking will impact gun makers, importers, and retailers, we have Larry Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) on the show. NSSF is the gun industry's trade group, which represents most of the major gun brands in America. Keane said the ATF's proposed changes are the most significant he's seen, and he outlined some of the rules he believes will have the greatest impact. He said that while the ATF consulted NSSF on some of the rules, the group was still reviewing the full text of the dozens of proposals. He argued it will help streamline recordkeeping and sales processing for the gun industry, as well as minimize potential paperwork violations. Keane said the change to the definition of what constitutes a willful violation will help prevent the sort of zero-tolerance policy the Biden Administration imposed. Keane also said the rollback of the pistol brace rule is promising but leaves some questions open. He said the industry doesn't think the gender ID change will prevent anyone from buying guns, but wants further clarity. Still, he said NSSF is very happy with the overall package.Special Guest: Larry Keane.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down the terms of the ATF's most significant rule proposals and discuss the likely impact for gun buyers. We also cover the DOJ's latest Second Amendment lawsuit filed against the City of Denver and the State of Colorado concerning their bans on AR-15s and ammunition magazines. Stories -https://thereload.com/atf-publishes-details-of-major-gun-rule-rollbacks/ -https://thereload.com/atf-moves-to-expand-protections-for-traveling-across-state-lines-with-guns/ -https://thereload.com/doj-sues-over-colorado-ar-15-ammo-magazine-bans/ -https://thereload.com/newsletter-atf-releases-full-text-of-regulation-reform-package/ -https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/federal-ban-on-noncitizen-gun-possession-ruled-constitutional -https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/minnesota-senate-approves-gun-control-package-but-its-unlikely-to-pass-house/ -https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/senate-approves-bill-banning-glock-style-pistols-in-state-after-debating-overnight/3733181/

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss President trump's newly minted permanent BATF director and the recent batch of new rules released by the agency and why (this time at least) it's not bad news for gun rights folks. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, the ATF dropped the largest package of new gun rules in its history. On Wednesday, the ATF got a new director and dozens of new gun rules to boot. The bureau announced 32 new rule proposals that directly implicate firearms in one way or another. Director Rob Cekada signed those rules in front of a collection of gun-rights groups--including our guest Kostas Moros's Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). But, as Moros explains, the gun groups didn't necessarily know the exact details of what was included in the package. Even now, we still don't have the full text of the rules. Still, Moros said the information the ATF has released looks promising to SAF. He acknowledged that none of the proposals are the kinds of big swings that the Biden Administration had taken, such as trying to reinterpret the Firearms Owners Protection Act to authorize nationwide concealed carry. But he argued that's a good thing because the rules that were proposed are more likely to stick--unlike the Biden rules, which struggled in court. He said gun-rights advocates who had proper expectations going into the ATF's announcement should be happy with what they're seeing. Moros walked through the rules he thought would make the biggest impact, including one that might open up gun sales that don't require face-to-face pickup. He also discussed some of the proposals SAF is keeping its eye on for the details, including one that may make it more difficult for trans or non-binary people to buy guns.Special Guest: Kostas Moros.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the Senate's confirmation of Robert Cekada to be the ATF's new permanent director and his early participation in the agency's announced package of 34 new rules largely related to loosening gun restrictions. We also discuss the ongoing confusion over the legal status of Virginia's universal background check regime. Stories: -https://thereload.com/trump-atf-director-signs-34-gun-rule-changes-moments-after-bipartisan-confirmation/ -https://thereload.com/virginia-state-police-say-they-take-no-position-on-background-check-law-despite-alert-to-gun-dealers/ -https://thereload.com/scotus-turns-away-weed-and-guns-case-despite-doj-request/ -https://thereload.com/newsletter-atf-gets-new-director-dozens-of-new-rules/ -https://thedispatch.com/article/epstein-potential-gun-crimes/ -https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2026/04/29/maryland-supreme-court-strikes-down-local-gun-control-laws-n1232368 -https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/04/28/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-us/

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and follow up on last week's discussion of Virginia's bill proposing expansive firearms restrictions and discuss the legislature rejecting some of the key changes that Governor Spanberger requested when she sent the bills back. Also Stephen and Mike talk about the DOJ's position on the reclassification of marijuana as it relates to gun ownership. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're examining where the big push for new gun restrictions in Virginia has ended up. The legislature has finished its job. So, we have fellow-Virginian and gun commentator Cam Edwards from Bearing Arms on the show to go over where things stand. Lawmakers accepted seven of Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger's recommendations for changes to the gun bills they passed. However, she rejected two of her most significant changes, including one to the "assault firearms" ban. That means she will have to decide whether to sign or veto the original language she was sent. Cam said animosity between the governor and legislative leaders may be part of the reason the House and Senate rejected her changes. However, he said it's unlikely she vetoes either bill as a result.  He also agreed the overall package is among the most aggressive any state has passed in a decade or more. Cam argued that could drag down the governor and her party's numbers, leaving an opening for Republicans to outperform in next year's elections. But he also said there's a good chance the legislature could come back and double down on even more gun restrictions before then. Cam said the legal battle is where a lot of the short-term action in the fight over these bills is likely to happen. He noted there are real hurdles to victory for gun-rights activists, though, especially in federal court.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Virginia legislature's rejection of Governor Abigail Spanberger's suggested amendments to increase the restrictiveness of passed "assault firearm" and magazine bans. We also discuss the Trump administration's official reclassification of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act and what it could mean for legal marijuana users who wish to own guns. Stories: -https://thereload.com/virginia-legislature-rejects-governor-spanbergers-requests-to-tighten-ammo-mag-restrictions-hospital-gun-ban/ -https://thereload.com/trump-administration-reschedules-marijuana-tells-scotus-no-impact-on-weed-and-guns-case/ -https://thereload.com/maryland-gun-dealer-to-pay-baltimore-2-million-in-ghost-gun-settlement/ -https://thereload.com/newsletter-virginia-gun-control-nears-final-form-as-legislature-rejects-governors-biggest-requested-change/

Virginia Democrats keep up the garbage as they push their unconstitutional edicts on VA resident ans the rest of the nation.

The Reload's Stephen Gutowski joins Cam as the two break down what happened in Richmond on Wednesday, with Democrats rejecting a couple of Gov. Abigail Spanberger's changes to gun control bills and approving several others.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the recent controversial anti-gun legislation in Virginia that Governor Spanberger sent back to the legislature with recommendations for further restrictions. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're doing a deep dive into the gun bills that have reached the final phase of the Virginia legislative process. That process is pretty unique, with Governor Abigail Spanberger (D.) having a rare ability to change bills after they've already passed. To break down how that process works and what Spanberger is trying to accomplish, we have Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) President Philip Van Cleave back on the show. The changes pushed legislation in both directions, but Van Cleave said VCDL was very angry with the overall suggestions Spanberger made. That's because her recommendations to moderate a few gun bills were far less significant than those to double down on other restrictions. Specifically, he argued the changes Spanberger pushed for the "assault firearm" carry and sales ban were the most significant. He said Spanberger's language change for what constitutes an "assault firearm" is confusing and could be read to be extremely expansive. He argued even if you take the most restrictive reading, the move would effectively ban the carry of the 15+ magazines the bill bans the sale of. That would be a substantial tightening of the proposed ban. Still, Van Cleave said some of the changes Spanberger recommended will probably face at least some pushback from the Democratically-controlled legislature. For instance, her request to convert the 18-to-20-year-old handgun ban into an emergency measure that would go into effect immediately actually requires a 4/5ths vote of both houses to pass. Even her "assault firearm" ban changes could be doomed because she removed exemptions for retired and off-duty police, a powerful political force. The legislature can only vote up and down on the overall changes in each bill, Van Cleave said. So, if they don't like one change, they have to reject them all. Whatever makes it into law, though, Van Cleave said VCDL would challenge in court. He said the group is likely to go to state court to challenge, and he welcomes the possibility that the Department of Justice might file suit against the new gun bans in federal court.Special Guest: Philip Van Cleave.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the changes requested by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger to the state's pending "assault firearm" ban and other major gun control bills. We also discuss a new ruling out of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals upholding New York's ban on stun guns and tasers. Stories: -https://thereload.com/virginia-governor-sends-assault-firearms-ban-back-to-legislature-demands-expansion/ -https://thereload.com/spanberger-requests-stricter-hospital-gun-ban-from-virginia-legislature/ -https://thereload.com/federal-appeals-court-upholds-new-york-city-stun-gun-ban/ -https://thereload.com/newsletter-virginia-governor-pushes-to-further-tighten-new-gun-bans/

In Episode 550 of District of Conservation, Gabriella welcomes back Stephen Gutowski - founder and publisher of The Reload. Stephen discusses the latest Virginia gun bills moving in Richmond and which bills Governor Abigail Spanberger is likely to sign into law. Tune in to learn more!SHOW NOTESFollow Stephen on XRead and subscribe to The ReloadVirginia Governor Sends ‘Assault Firearms' Ban Back to Legislature, Demands ExpansionVirginia House Bill 217 Gutowski Tweet on HB 217: Assault Firearms Ban & Update

The Reload's Stephen Gutowski joins Cam to discuss Gov. Abigail Spanberger's proposed amendments and the legislature's potential reaction to bills on "assault firearms" and "large capacity" magazines that could criminalize the carrying of handguns if they're equipped with a magazine that can hold more than 15 rounds.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss what The Reload calls the schizophrenic nature of the DOJ's current stance on guns and the 2nd Amendment. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're looking at how the Department of Justice (DOJ) has performed on gun policy during the second Trump Administration and why Jeanine Pirro's newest legal filing could change the review. To examine the DOJ's track record, we have the Second Amendment Foundation's Kostas Moros on the show. He has been willing to defend the administration's overall approach to gun policy and to criticize moves he believes are likely to produce significant setbacks. He argued that the DOJ has actually been as pro-gun as any in modern history. In fact, he said a lot of the disappointment from online gun activists stems from bad expectation setting. He argued the DOJ was never likely to stop defending all federal gun laws, nor would that move guarantee the kind of gun-rights wins some believe it would. He also said the administration's moves to sue localities over alleged violations of the Second Amendment, as well as their efforts to back gun-rights challenges, even up to the Supreme Court, create a positive case for why it has been a good ally to gun-rights activists. Still, Moros admitted the DOJ has been pretty all over the place in its arguments at times. And he further criticized a new legal filing that stands to undermine a serious breakthrough in the gun-rights movement's fight against magazine bans. He said Jeanine Pirro, who Donald Trump appointed as US Attorney for Washington, DC, and who he is reportedly considering making the Attorney General, intervened to ask a DC court to reconsider its ruling against the city's magazine ban. Moros argued Pirro didn't need to say anything at all, given that she isn't actively defending the law, and that her filing makes it more likely the case will be reheard. That, he noted, could undermine the all-important circuit split on the question of magazine bans. Ultimately, Moros argued, that could keep the Supreme Court from settling the question and further sour gun activists' view of the administration.Special Guest: Kostas Moros.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover a new ruling out the First Circuit Court of Appeals which held that waiting periods for gun sales do not even implicate the Second Amendment. We also discuss a New York federal judge's recent decision to toss a lawsuit filed by a licensed concealed carrier who was wrongfully arrested by NYPD officers who were unfamiliar with the city's gun laws. Stories: -https://thereload.com/federal-appeals-court-reinstates-maine-waiting-period-law/ -https://thereload.com/judge-tosses-war-heros-suit-against-nyc-over-mistaken-gun-arrest/ -https://thereload.com/analysis-jeanine-pirro-may-have-just-fumbled-a-long-sought-hardware-ban-circuit-split-for-gun-rights-activists/

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the recent dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi and what her replacement might mean for the Trump administration's gun policy moving forward. Then we discuss a recent brief filed by the North Carolina chapter of the ACLU on behalf of a criminal defendant in a prohibited possessor case.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we've got a lawyer from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on the show. That's because the group's North Carolina affiliate has filed an amicus brief in a Second Amendment challenge that's going to be heard by the North Carolina Supreme Court. And the ACLU is on the side of the defendant who is attempting to assert his gun rights. So, to discuss the details, we have ACLU of North Carolina Legal Fellow Jacqueline Landry joining us. Landry helped author the group's brief in State v. Ducker, a Second Amendment challenge to the state's felon-in-possession gun crime. She said Ducker's underlying felony was non-violent, fleeing the police, and he never served any time in jail. She said the case isn't even about whether or not Ducker can be disarmed, but, rather, whether he can individually challenge his charges at all. Landry said the lower court in this case had determined that anyone convicted of a felony falls outside of "the people" that the Second Amendment protects and, therefore, can't even make an as-applied challenge to their gun charges. She said the ACLU is arguing, alongside the CATO Institute, that the judge was wrong. Landry said the Supreme Court has determined the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right, and governments have to justify their modern gun restrictions comport with the historical tradition of gun regulation to survive a challenge. She explained that the ACLU, which has started doing more Second Amendment challenges in recent years, has adapted to the Supreme Court's view of the right. However, Landry denied that the group has modified its views on guns and civil liberties. She argued the ACLU has always been primarily concerned with pushing back against the kind of categorical infringements on individual rights, like the felon-in-possession ban. She also disagreed that the group views Second Amendment rights as more limited than First or Fourth Amendment rights. Landry also said the ACLU is likely to continue pursuing new Second Amendment cases moving forward, even if they aren't necessarily the group's top priority.Special Guest: Jacqueline Landry.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down the details of a new Pete Hegseth memo that seeks to expand how many off-duty military members can carry personal firearms for self-defense on military installations. We also cover a new US Postal Service proposed rule that would allow legal gun owners to ship handguns in the mail. Stories: -https://thereload.com/hegseth-moves-to-make-it-easier-to-carry-guns-on-military-bases/ -https://thereload.com/usps-moves-to-allow-mailing-of-handguns/ -https://thereload.com/trump-doj-doubles-down-on-claim-it-can-ban-all-knives-member-exclusive/ -https://thereload.com/canadian-ar-15-mandatory-buyback-program-concludes-without-a-bang/ -https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2026/03/31/did-the-case-against-charlie-kirks-alleged-killer-just-fall-apart-n1232065 -https://coloradosun.com/2026/03/27/colorado-3d-gun-bill-amended-jared-polis-veto/

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent ruling in Texas where a Trump-appointed judge upheld a law enacting gun free places and we delve into why the state didn't even send a representative to defend the law. Additionally, Stephen talks about his recent experience instructing journalism students on the function and proper handling of firearms.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're taking a close look at the latest in the legal battle over "red flag" laws. To help understand the ins and outs of why gun-rights activists object to the temporary gun seizure orders, we have the director of legal operations for the group challenging Maryland's version of the law. The Second Amendment Foundation's Bill Sack joins the show to discuss the latest ruling in the case, which actually went against the group. Sack said their Maryland case centered around a dispute between a county zoning official and a resident that saw the man's guns taken from him over what he said were false claims of a threat. Sack said the incident is an example of the flaws in Maryland's system that allow for abuse of a fundamental right. He also said the case shows the difficulty of making a Second Amendment case against red flag laws in the wake of the Supreme Court's US v. Rahimi decision. Instead, Sack said the group is relying more heavily on Fourth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendment claims against the lower evidentiary standards the laws use. He said the judge's point about similar procedures utilized in other contexts being blessed by the Supreme Court and others wasn't persuasive, and should be reversed--even in circumstances that don't involve firearm seizures. Sack said the Second Amendment Foundation hasn't yet decided what to do in the Maryland case, but they plan to keep fighting red flag policies that don't meet their constitutional standards.Special Guest: Bill Sack.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a new federal court ruling out of Connecticut where a judge upheld the ban on bringing guns into a post office, splitting with recent rulings on the same law out of Texas and Florida in the process. We also discuss my upcoming range day with the National Journalism Center internship program and the dismissal of a federal lawsuit challenging Maryland's red flag law. Stories: -https://thereload.com/federal-judge-upholds-post-office-gun-ban-creating-circuit-split/ -https://thereload.com/federal-judge-upholds-maryland-red-flag-law/ -https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/court-upholds-federal-gun-ban-for-misdemeanor-domestic-violence -https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2026/03/25/federal-judge-upholds-multiple-gun-free-zones-in-texas-n1231991

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the rather confusing recent series of events surrounding the Biden era SBR pistol brace rule issued by the ATF.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're talking with a New York Times reporter about his latest story that examines guntuber Brandon Herrera's run for Congress. Charles Homans has been at The Times since 2014. Unlike his co-author Thomas Gibbons-Neff, who was on our podcast last year, Homans doesn't focus on gun stories. Nor does he cover all 435 congressional races in each cycle. So, he explained why Herrera's campaign in the 23rd Texas district deserves national attention. Homans said he thinks what Herrera, aka The AK Guy, is doing is emblematic of a new phase of American gun culture. He agreed that guntubers have built an audience, then a business, and are now seeking to translate all of that into political power. We discussed some parallels between Herrera's campaign and the Illinois primary campaign of Kat Abughazaleh, a prominent left-wing online activist. Both Herrera and Abughazaleh performed better than you might expect given their lack of political experience, but didn't blow their opponents out of the water as the online enthusiasm for them might suggest. Homans said the internet isn't real life, but it's also not not real life. Then we talked about some of the controversies Herrera's long history making online content has generated, and how that's a potential drawback in a congressional campaign. Homans also responded to some of the criticism his piece on Herrera has drawn from people like Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms. He acknowledged the skepticism that many gun-rights advocates have toward The Times, but said he works to be honest and straightforward in his reporting.Special Guest: Charles Homans.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a new settlement agreement this week that saw New York agree to stop requiring gun carry permit applicants to disclose all of their social media accounts to the state. We also provide an update on Canada's attempt to confiscate hundreds of thousands of recently banned firearms, an effort that to this point has seen a lot of government spending with little to show for it. Stories covered: -https://thereload.com/new-york-agrees-to-stop-requiring-social-media-disclosures-for-gun-permits/ -https://thereload.com/canadian-mandatory-buyback-nets-few-turn-ins-despite-spending-tens-of-thousands-per-firearm/ -https://thereload.com/analysis-people-transporting-guns-have-long-enjoyed-broad-protection-under-the-law/ -https://www.courthousenews.com/eighth-circuit-presses-challenge-to-minnesota-gun-permit-law/ -https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/15/us/politics/brandon-hererra-guns-youtube.html?unlocked_article_code=1.TVA.zoAS.4JAqMFpS9nIL&smid=url-share https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/californias-unconstitutional-kids-gun-ad-law-is-fully-blocked

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss why it will be a tough road for Virginians who are hoping to see the state's new AR-15 ban reversed for a number of reasons and why it's possible that it could be decided by the Supreme Court eventually. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're taking a look back at some of the predictions we made about what might happen in the ammo market last year and comparing that against how things actually turned out. To help us with the deep dive, Nathaniel Boos from Black Basin Outdoors is back on the show. His company keeps charts tracking the last five years of pricing data for dozens of ammunition calibers. They also deal directly with wholesalers and suppliers. Last May, Boos predicted ammo prices would increase, cheaper foreign brands would disappear from US shelves, American brands would grab market share, and some specialty rounds would go away due to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. He said that's exactly what happened over the past year or so. He said the Supreme Court's ruling against the tariffs has had little to no noticeable impact since the risk of new tariffs is leaving the business atmosphere in flux. Additionally, Boos said the war in Iran is beginning to pull supply away from the civilian market. He said demand has started to tick up over the last few months as well for a variety of reasons. Boos said those factors have all culminated in dwindling supplies and rising prices. He said it's likely things will continue to get worse over the next several months. He said it's even possible the market could be headed toward pandemic-level disruptions.Special Guest: Nathaniel Boos.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the new "assault firearm" and ammunition magazine ban passed by the Virginia legislature this week. We also cover the Los Angeles County Superior Court's admission that it failed to report roughly 147,000 felony convictions to the state background check system. Links: https://thereload.com/virginia-legislature-passes-ar-15-ammo-mag-sales-ban/ https://thereload.com/los-angeles-court-didnt-report-felony-convictions-to-background-check-system-for-years/ https://thereload.com/beretta-fires-back-after-ruger-accuses-italian-gunmaker-of-hostile-takeover-attempt/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2026/03/10/trump-felons-gun-rights-mel-gibson/89069619007/ https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/california-gun-control-laws-newsom-firearm/

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss several news stories involving the second amendment. D.C.'s high court struck down magazine capacity limits while Virginia is poised to restrict them AND ban the sale or transfer of many popular firearms including AR-15s. We also discuss the SCOTUS oral arguments regarding marijuana users and gun ownership.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss The Reload's recent deep dive into the files released by the DOJ regarding Jeffrey Epstein and how there is a tie-in to the firearms world and then we talk about pending gun legislation in the state of Virginia.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss an ongoing legal battle involving a Florida lawyer and 3D printed firearms details on the internet and then we discuss an encouraging series of wins for out-of-state or non-resident CCW issuance. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss President Trump's ATF nominee and US Attorney Pirro's controversial statements about guns in D.C.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com