The Gray Area with Sean Illing You’re right to bear arms
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Feb 20, 2026 Tyler Austin Harper, Atlantic writer and former environmental-studies professor, discusses guns, culture, and politics. He recounts predicting violent clashes, explains why liberals misunderstand American gun culture, and asks whether fearing authoritarianism means advocating disarmament. He urges learning gunsafety and pushing pragmatic policies without alienating owners.
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Warning Before The Preddie Shooting
- Tyler Austin Harper warned friends ICE activity could cause a killing when someone legally carrying was stopped.
- He felt compelled to speak as a gun owner after Alex Preddie was disarmed and shot in the back multiple times.
Shots Continued After Threat Neutralized
- Harper describes how agents kept firing after Preddie was motionless and several feet away.
- He calls that continuation effectively a state execution, not a panic response.
Personal Reasons For Carrying
- Harper began concealed carrying after receiving death threats tied to his writing and public profile.
- He comes from a family of gun owners and has used guns since age 12.