Stay up to date with WRAL’s Gun control news and reporting coverage
Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025-- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist
A WRAL News poll found again that the economy was one of the top issues for Republicans and Democrats ahead of Tuesday's election.
Brian Murphy, WRAL News
Proposed legislation would give a judge the power to take guns away from someone deemed to be at risk of harming themselves or others. Opponents say it would violate due process.
Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief
A stolen gun was found on a Sampson County school campus Wednesday, leading to a juvenile being taken into police custody.
WRAL Staff
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
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 are demanding action against gun violence after two lockdowns in less than three weeks.
Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter
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.
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
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.
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
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.
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.
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.
