July 26, 2017 10:44AM # Gun Control for Thee, Not for Me By [David Boaz](https://www.cato.org/people/david-boaz) --- SHARE A couple of news stories about Rep. Cedric L. Richmond (D‑La.): > [In a historic act of protest](http://www.theroot.com/enough-is-enough-house-dems-stage-sit-in-on-floor-of-1790855766), Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives refused to observe the regular order of the House, staging a sit-in protest over the [lack of legislation on gun control](http://www.theroot.com/articles/news/2016/06/democrats-stage-sit-in-on-house-floor-demanding-a-vote-on-no-fly-no-buy-gun-control-bill/).… > > > In sharp comments pointed directly at House Republicans, Reps. Maxine Waters (D‑Calif.) and Cedric Richmond (D‑La.) directed blame at the National Rifle Association and the cowardice of GOP members.… > > > “You are doing what you are doing because you don’t have the guts to stand up to the gun lobby,” said Richmond in a speech at the start of the House-floor sit-in, with comments addressing what he viewed as GOP obstruction. > “[If you shoot a police officer](https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/in-congress-new-fears-and-new-protections-in-wake-of-baseball-team-shooting/2017/07/24/e945c780-6d8c-11e7-b9e2-2056e768a7e5_story.html?utm_term=.f96e41a87e0f), you’re going to make the 5, 6 and 10 o’clock news. But if you shoot a congressperson you’re going to make the world news,” said Rep. Cedric L. Richmond (D‑La.).… > > > Some lawmakers are carrying firearms or installing security systems at their homes and offices. Some have decided not to hold town hall meetings at all — restricting voters from meeting their elected leaders. Some are demanding that the government pay for a security detail for every member of Congress.… > > > It’s another reason to continue protecting themselves, several said. > > “I definitely know where my firearm is at all times,” Richmond said. So I’m curious: Does Rep. Richmond have a firearm in the District of Columbia? Does he have a valid permit for it, [which is extremely difficult to get](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/appeals-court-blocks-strict-dc-concealed-carry-permit-law/2017/07/25/7a6d0cee-7159-11e7-8c17-533c52b2f014_story.html?utm_term=.ec308347ef73) despite the Supreme Court’s Heller decision? Does he support the [proposal](http://www.fox5dc.com/news/politics/261749454-story) by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R‑Ga.) to give members of Congress a special exemption from the strict D.C. rules? Does he believe that members of Congress should obey the same laws that apply to everyone else? ##### Related Tags [Government and Politics](https://www.cato.org/government-politics), [Constitutional Law](https://www.cato.org/constitutional-law), [Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies](https://www.cato.org/robert-levy-center-constitutional-studies) [![Creative Commons License](/build/cato_2020/images/creative-commons.svg)](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) This work is licensed under a [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/).