Where do many U.S. states restrict people from carrying guns?

In the United States, while the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to carry firearms for self-defense outside the home, states maintain authority to regulate the time, place, and manner of gun use.1

Most U.S. states restrict the carrying of firearms in specific sensitive locations, most commonly on K-12 school grounds. Many states also prohibit carrying guns on college campuses.2

Beyond these educational settings, regulations regarding the public carry of firearms vary significantly by state:

• Public Carry Restrictions: Some states have historically prohibited or strictly regulated the open or concealed carry of firearms in public, though these laws are subject to ongoing legal challenges and Supreme Court scrutiny, such as in the case of *New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen*.31
• Open Carry Variations: Laws regarding the visible carrying of firearms differ widely. For example, some jurisdictions prohibit open carry entirely, while others restrict it based on the type of firearm (handguns versus long guns) or require specific permits.4
• Other Restricted Areas: Depending on state law, carrying may be restricted in areas such as bars, state parks, or specific government facilities, though some states have enacted laws that explicitly allow carry in these locations.2