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Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, protecting the right to bear arms.
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National Firearms Act (NFA) is enacted, imposing restrictions on certain types of firearms, including machine guns and sawed-off shotguns.
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President John F. Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas, Texas, sparking discussions on gun control.
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Gun Control Act (GCA) is signed into law, placing restrictions on interstate firearms sales, prohibiting firearms sales to felons and certain individuals with mental illnesses, and introducing licensing requirements for firearms dealers.
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Attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in which press secretary James Brady is shot and paralyzed. This incident leads to the push for the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.
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Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act is signed into law, establishing background checks for individuals purchasing firearms from licensed dealers.
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Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act is passed, which includes the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of certain semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines. The ban expired in 2004 and was not renewed.
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The Columbine High School massacre takes place in Colorado, prompting discussions on school safety and gun control.
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The Virginia Tech shooting occurs, leading to renewed debates on gun control and mental health.
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The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting takes place in Connecticut, leading to increased calls for stricter gun control measures, including expanded background checks and bans on certain types of firearms.
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The Manchin-Toomey bill, which aimed to expand background checks on gun purchases, fails to pass in the U.S. Senate.
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Several mass shootings occur, including the Parkland, Florida school shooting, leading to increased activism by students and a renewed national debate on gun control.
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President Joe Biden announces executive actions aimed at reducing gun violence, including regulations on ghost guns and stabilizing braces, as well as increased funding for community violence intervention programs.