Many responsible gun owners are deeply troubled by the two new laws that went into effect in Colorado this week. These laws, pushed through by the Democrat-controlled legislature, further restrict law-abiding citizens' ability to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms.

The first law imposes a three-day waiting period on all gun purchases. While sold as a measure to reduce suicide attempts and shootings, this law will only create more obstacles for law-abiding citizens who are seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Criminals who intend to do harm will not be deterred by a waiting period. They will obtain guns through illegal means, leaving law-abiding citizens at a disadvantage in protecting themselves and their families.

A gun rights group filed a lawsuit challenging a new Colorado law imposing a minimum three-day waiting period for gun purchases on Sunday, the same day the waiting period went into effect. They are asking a federal court for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.

“Plaintiffs desire to obtain possession of firearms they have purchased for lawful purposes. The Waiting Period Act prohibits Plaintiffs from doing so without being subjected to an arbitrary, unnecessary, burdensome and useless delay. The right to ‘keep’ arms necessarily implies the right to possess arms one has acquired,” the lawsuit reads.

The second law, which takes aim at the gun industry, will make it easier for victims of gun violence to file lawsuits against gun manufacturers and dealers. This reckless and misguided law will leave companies vulnerable to frivolous lawsuits and could potentially drive small businesses out of operation. As we have seen in other states with similar laws, these lawsuits can be costly and harmful to the firearms industry, which plays a crucial role in our economy.

While Coloradans are deeply troubled by the current wave of violence throughout our country, including the tragic shooting at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs last year, most understand that we cannot allow these heartbreaking incidents to be used as an excuse to strip law-abiding citizens of their rights.

The majority of Americans understand that lawful gun ownership is a crucial tool in self-defense. Just this month, an elderly Colorado woman used her firearm to defend herself from a stalker who had broken into her home. Waiting three days for a gun may not always be a feasible option in life or death situations.

As we see a rise in violent crime and shootings across the country, it's important to address the root causes of these issues, not just treat the symptoms. We must focus on improving mental health resources and addressing the breakdown of family and community values. Taking away the rights of law-abiding citizens will not solve the problem.

Let us remember the words of our Founding Fathers, that the Second Amendment is necessary for the security of a free state, and we must not let it be infringed upon.