Why is homeland security buying guns

It is unclear who was buying those firearms. Concerns regarding personal security related to racial tensions could lead individuals of any race, including Blacks or whites, to buy firearms.

In general, however, whites are far more likely to own firearms than Blacks 49 percent versus 32 percent. There are more guns than people in the United States million are in circulation for a population of million. In just the first six months of , approximately 19 million firearms have been sold, representing more than one firearm for every 20 Americans.

The presence of so many guns complicates discussions of public policy. Injustices committed by the police, and systemic racism in society more broadly need to end. It is concerning that the necessary national discussion regarding racial injustice is leading to even more firearms in the hands of Americans.

This concern is particularly relevant in the context of discussions regarding defunding the police. When public goods are not provided by the government, or are provided on a scale that some consider to be inadequate, individuals turn to private provision of these services. For example, parents often turn to private schools when they perceive public education to be inadequate. Similarly, it would not be surprising for some citizens to respond to perceived limitations on police services with private provision.

This may include purchasing more firearms. In a society fraught with racial tension, it is not clear that dismantling the police and seeing more private citizens purchase guns will lead to a safer world. Increased firearm sales are a potential — if unintended — consequence that merits attention as we endeavor to create a more equitable society.

The authors did not receive financial support from any firm or person for this article or from any firm or person with a financial or political interest in this article.

Grace F. Napolitano CA ; Rep. Jan Schakowsky IL ; Rep. Gerald E. Connolly VA ; Rep. Julia Brownley CA ; Rep. Katherine Clark MA ; Rep. Lois Frankel FL ; Rep. Robin L.

Kelly IL ; Rep. Don Beyer VA ; Rep. Adriano Espaillat NY ; Rep. Darren Soto FL ; Rep. Jul 30, , am EDT. Jun 23, , pm EDT.

May 31, , am EDT. Aug 14, , am EDT. Jul 23, , am EDT. Jul 15, , am EDT. Jun 28, , am EDT. Jun 20, , am EDT. Edit Story. Oct 20, , am EDT. Why does the IRS need guns? Story highlights Certain civilian agencies employ armed investigators The USDA just bought 85 "submachine guns" Congress doesn't know what weapons the agencies have. The U. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General has 85 shiny new submachine guns, locked and loaded.

They've long had a small police force, and they're not alone, thanks to a mostly forgotten provision in the behemoth Homeland Security Act that allows certain the Offices of Inspector General to equip themselves with agents who carry guns.

The USDA first gained the permanent ability to arm its criminal investigators in Twenty-five other federal agencies gained that permanent ability in as result of the Security Act. At 73 federal agencies and departments, independent sub-agencies called the Offices of the Inspector General, or OIGs, conduct oversight, perform audits and enforce laws.