By: Dana Goldy

The Second Amendment right to bear arms has been a controversial issue within American politics throughout history. However, in recent years the debate has gotten more intense and more people have been weighing in on the controversies regarding guns.

Everyone can agree that the Second Amendment gives citizens the right to bear arms, or in other words to carry a gun. The issues lies with the specifics, or lack thereof, regarding the interpretation of this amendment. There aren’t any limitations mentioned in the amendment, and people often debate if there should be.

The state of Minnesota allows “private establishments” to  prohibit the possession of firearms on properties owned by the establishment. To many that seems reasonable, but there is one question that is brought up over and over again: is that unconstitutional?

My answer; yes it is. I believe that the right to bear arms insinuates that a citizen of the United States has the right to defend themselves regardless of where they go. So how does that apply to the Mall of America?

The Mall of America is the biggest mall in the United States and has about 40 million visitors annually. It is also considered private property and is owned by a company known as Triple Five Group. However, there is a lesser known and startling fact that many Americans are unaware of.

The Mall of America has specifically been targeted by the terror group from Somalia, Al-Shabab because of the volume of annual visitors. It was singled out by name in a video released  by the group that called for attacks on Western malls this past February.

Mall security has stepped up since the threats, but it still remains a gun-free zone under the Triple Five Group. This may put the public at ease, but according to the Crime Prevention Research Center “most mass shootings occur in “gun free” zones” due to slower reaction times from the public.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I have full confidence in the police’s ability to protect citizens, but I believe that everyone should have the right to defend themselves and their family if they chose to do so. I’m not saying that everyone should try and smuggle guns into “gun free” zones because there should be restrictions, but i certainly don’t believe that the actions of a few should endanger the lives of many. Therefore, citizens in the Mall of America should have right to bear arms.