Founded in January 2026 when the federal government crossed a line that should never be crossed — and we decided someone had to stand up for everyone.
The Common Defense Project was founded in January 2026, in the immediate aftermath of the Alex Pretti shooting in Minneapolis. Alex was a 37-year-old nurse with a legal concealed carry permit who was attending a protest — exercising two fundamental constitutional rights simultaneously. Federal immigration agents tackled him, removed his holstered firearm, and then shot him ten times in the back.
What happened next was unprecedented. A Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney argued that carrying a firearm near law enforcement creates justification for lethal force. FBI Director Kash Patel claimed on Fox News that "you cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest" — a statement that is factually incorrect under the law.
"Carrying a firearm is not a death sentence, it's a Constitutionally protected God-given right, and if you don't understand this you have no business in law enforcement or government." — Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY)
For the first time in modern history, major gun rights organizations publicly broke with a Republican administration. The National Rifle Association — one of Trump's biggest donors — called the administration's stance "dangerous and wrong." Gun Owners of America was even more direct, stating that "The Second Amendment protects Americans' right to bear arms while protesting."
In that moment, it became clear that the traditional alliances and assumptions about gun rights in America were crumbling. The party that claimed to defend the Second Amendment was arguing that exercising it could justify execution. The organizations that backed that party were forced to choose between loyalty and principle — and many chose principle.
We founded The Common Defense Project because millions of Americans — across the political spectrum — suddenly found themselves without representation. Gun owners who don't fit the traditional mold. Constitutional lawyers who believe rights are universal. Americans who think you shouldn't have to choose between your politics and your civil liberties.
Founded January 2026 when the federal government shot a legal gun owner in the back and told America the Second Amendment doesn't apply at protests. We exist to make sure that never happens again — to anyone.
The Common Defense Project is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to defending and advancing Second Amendment rights for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, race, gender, sexual orientation, or background. We believe constitutional rights are universal — not subject to party politics or cultural gatekeeping.
Legal Advocacy: We support legal challenges to unconstitutional restrictions on gun rights and provide resources for Americans whose Second Amendment rights have been violated.
Public Education: We create accessible, fact-based content about Second Amendment rights, constitutional law, and responsible gun ownership for new and experienced gun owners alike.
Policy Work: We advocate for smart policies that protect rights while promoting public safety, working with legislators across the political spectrum.
Community Building: We connect gun owners from all backgrounds and political perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and representative gun rights community.
Emergency Response: When government actions threaten Second Amendment rights — regardless of which party is in power — we mobilize quickly to defend those rights.
These principles guide everything we do. They're not political talking points — they're bedrock beliefs about how constitutional rights should work in a free society.
Constitutional rights don't come with fine print. The Second Amendment doesn't say "unless you're at a protest" or "unless the government finds you inconvenient." Rights are universal and non-negotiable.
Conservative, liberal, independent, apolitical — we don't care how you vote. If you believe in the right to self-defense and responsible gun ownership, you belong here. We judge character, not voter registration.
We hold government accountable when it violates gun rights — regardless of which party controls the White House. Principle over partisanship, always.
New gun owners need resources, training, and community — not gatekeeping. We make responsible ownership accessible and welcoming to everyone.
We advocate for smart policy that protects rights and promotes safety. We don't serve a party platform. We serve the Constitution and the people it protects.
The strongest Second Amendment community includes every race, gender, orientation, and background. The old stereotype is already dead — the movement just needs to catch up.