Charlotte students already live with active shooter drills and constant lockdown threats. Now, a bill moving through the North Carolina legislature could make it legal for 18-year-olds to carry concealed guns in our city — no permit, no training, and no oversight.

Senate Bill 50 would allow teenagers to carry hidden, loaded firearms in public spaces across Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. It strips away the basic safeguards we rely on to keep our communities safe. Eighteen-year-olds can’t buy a beer or rent a car — but under this bill, they’d be able to carry a deadly weapon on school grounds, in shopping centers, and on city streets.

This bill is dangerous for Charlotte. Representative Laura Budd, who serves our community, put it best: “An 18-year-old at my son’s high school could legally carry a concealed weapon.” That’s not public safety — that’s a risk we can’t afford.

The people of Charlotte deserve better than political stunts disguised as gun policy. We need responsible laws that protect our families, not reckless ones that put more guns in the hands of teens.

We’re calling on the North Carolina House to reject Senate Bill 50 and protect Charlotte from the dangerous consequences of permitless carry for 18-year-olds. Stand with Charlotte families, students, teachers, and first responders before this becomes law.

Sign now if you believe concealed carry should come with limits — and 18 is too young for this kind of risk.