Former President Donald Trump’s campaign erroneously claimed that he purchased a Glock pistol at a South Carolina gun shop on Monday. However, questions were raised about the legality of such a purchase due to the numerous felony charges he is facing in multiple cases. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung posted on X Monday afternoon, stating that “President Trump buys a [Glock] in South Carolina!” He also shared a video of the former president at the Palmetto State Armory in Summerville, holding a Glock and expressing his interest in purchasing one. Cheung later deleted the post and clarified that Trump did not actually buy or possess the firearm, but merely expressed a desire to own one.
Firearms expert Stephen Gutowski pointed out that it would be illegal for Trump to purchase a Glock due to his felony indictment. He explained that individuals under felony indictments are prohibited from acquiring new firearms, including buying them. Gutowski also mentioned that there are varying court decisions on the constitutionality of these laws, but one case is still pending in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Gutowski highlighted that the Fifth Circuit Court has consistently shown skepticism towards federal firearms restrictions, especially since the Supreme Court ruled last year that New York’s regulations on obtaining a license to carry a concealed handgun were excessively restrictive and violated the Constitution. This ruling implied that it should be easier for individuals to obtain such licenses. Consequently, it remains to be seen how Trump’s campaign activities in gun stores will unfold considering these legal complexities.