Sean Ryan Challenges Gavin Newsom on Gun Background Checks

During a recent interview, podcaster Sean Ryan pressed California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom to consider the impact of firearm background checks on combat veterans.

Newsom has proposed a 28th amendment to the Constitution, which would enshrine certain aspects of California’s stringent gun laws, including “universal background checks” and a ban on specific semi-automatic firearms based on cosmetic features. At the beginning of their four-hour conversation on “Shawn Ryan Shaw,” Newsom appeared somewhat taken aback when Ryan presented him with a California-compliant Sig-Sauer P365 semi-automatic pistol, holding it in an awkward manner after taking it out of the case.

“It’s a California-compliant Sig-Sauer P365 macro,” Ryan, a former Navy SEAL, said. “Ah, amazing.”

With a hint of humor, Ryan asked Newsom, “Do you like that? I just want TSA to take this from me. I’m approaching you.”

California is known for its rigorous gun laws, which require a “safety certificate” for handgun purchases and impose bans on certain semi-automatic models, as noted by the National Rifle Association.

“I got a buddy who owns a Sig, and it seemed he really wanted to show it off,” Ryan commented, referring to the pistol. “This is great. What do you know? The last thing people expect is for me to appreciate this gift.”

Newsom responded, “I’m not anti-gun. I think common sense gun safety is supported by both sides of the aisle.” He mentioned, perhaps with some hesitation, that background checks should be reasonable and appropriate for different age groups.

Newsom expressed surprise at receiving the “crazy” gift, laughing as he remarked, “It’s crazy. It’s the last thing I was expecting. I was hoping for a hat.”

He defended California’s laws by pointing out that the state has lower gun death rates compared to many red states. In 2023, he also announced a Political Action Committee aiming at “red states,” focusing on various issues, especially gun control and abortion.

“We’re seeing gun mortality rates from the ’90s drop significantly,” he explained. “I’m driven by data and evidence, but I also respect the Second Amendment and the rights of individuals. However, when it comes to background checks, we have to address the reality of people suffering from abuse and those in distress.”

Ryan highlighted that many veterans could be adversely affected by background checks, especially those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He conveyed concern about these policies potentially impacting their ability to access firearms.

“I have firearms everywhere for my own protection and for my family’s safety,” Ryan stated. “And when I consider background checks, I think of mentally unstable individuals. You know, the complexities of this situation can be overwhelming.”

He noted that veterans often worry about new policies that might affect them, particularly in terms of their mental health challenges.

Recently, Newsom signed SB2, imposing significant restrictions on where concealed firearms can be carried. A federal judge has since blocked this law, labeling it “abominable and openly defiant of several amendments.”