The Second Amendment Institute Sets Ambitious Goals to Lead in 2025

Second Amendment Institute Sets Ambitious Goals for 2024 as Ninth Anniversary Approaches

PHILADELPHIA, PA – As the Second Amendment Institute (SAI) prepares to mark its ninth anniversary in June 2025, the organization is setting its sights on a year of bold initiatives and growth. At its recent Board of Directors meeting held in December 2024 in Philadelphia, SAI outlined an ambitious set of monthly and annual goals for the coming year.

ANNUAL 2A CHAMPION CEREMONY HOSTED IN WASHINGTON, DC

This year’s Second Amendment Champion awards were presented to Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, and Olympic shooter Gabby Franco, recognizing their contributions to defending the Second Amendment.

Firing Back: Suing Washington D.C. Over Second Amendment Rights

Yzaguirre v. DC

Co-Plaintiff: Second Amendment Institute

This case, filed in June 2024, challenges Washington, DC’s so-called “assault weapons” ban. Attorneys George Lyon (Arsenal Attorneys and SAI), and Edward Wenger (Holtzman Vogel), argue that the ban violates the Second Amendment under Heller (2008), McDonald (2010), and Bruen (2022). Yzaguirre argues that AR-15s, specifically, are protected by the common use doctrine established in the 2008 United States Supreme Court DC v. Heller.

Hanson v. DC

Co-Plaintiff: Tyler Yzaguirre representing the Second Amendment Institute

Denied by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on October 29, 2024 in a 2-1 decision, Hanson argues that Large Capacity Magazine (LCM) bans are unconstitutional, and violate the Second Amendment and the common use doctrine established in Heller.

Angelo v. DC

Co-Plaintiff: Tyler Yzaguirre representing the Second Amendment Institute

Angelo challenges Washington, DC’s ban of concealed carry, by licensed individuals, on the metro system. Despite being legal in bordering states Virginia and Maryland, DC criminalizes self-defense. This case is in limbo until a hearing is scheduled for the amended complaint after initial denial for lack of standing.

MEDIA COVERAGE SOARS AS LAWSUITS MAKE WAVES

Media coverage of the Second Amendment Institute significantly grew in June through September due to involvement in federal lawsuits against the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. Most coverage occurred in the Epoch Times. Other hits took place in the Washington Post, New York Post, Washington Times, Bloomberg Law and The Reload.

SAI Board Member Dania Vizzi Shines at Paris Olympics, Representing Team USA

PARIS, FRANCE – Dania Vizzi, Board Member of the Second Amendment Institute and World Champion Trap and Skeet Shooter, earned a prestigious 6th place finish in the Skeet Mixed Team competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics in July.

Vizzi, known by her nickname Shooterina, has built a reputation as one of the top competitors in the shooting world. At just 29 years old, she boasts an impressive career, with four gold medals from international shooting competitions in Italy and Peru.

“It was an honor of a lifetime to represent our country on the world stage. It would be an honor to do it again,” Vizzi said after her Olympic performance.

In addition to her shooting accolades, Vizzi has been a committed Board Member of SAI since 2021, where she continues to advocate for the protection of constitutional rights.

Tulsi Gabbard and Gabby Franco Named 2024 Second Amendment Champions

WASHINGTON, DC –

On June 20, former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Olympic shooter Gabby Franco joined the list of past SAI Second Amendment Champions.

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, now a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, has undergone a dramatic shift in her stance on gun control, earning her a spot among this year's Second Amendment Champions. In 2022, Gabbard publicly reversed her previous pro-gun control position, condemning her past support for restrictive gun laws in a powerful 30-minute video. In the video, she described all forms of gun control as an infringement on constitutional rights.

Gabbard's change in perspective, combined with her widespread reach, which connects with tens of millions of Americans each year through her pro-Second Amendment advocacy, earned her recognition for this prestigious award.

CONGRESSWOMAN VICTORIA SPARTZ JOINS INAUGURAL CONSTITUTION DAY DINNER

WASHINGTON, DC –

On September 18, the Second Amendment Institute hosted it’s inaugural Constitution Day Reception with Congresswoman Victoria Spartz, Grover Norquist (Americans for Tax Reform), Dianna Muller (Women for Gun Rights), Staci Claunch (Women for Gun Rights), and several SAI Board Members in Navy Yard, Washington, DC, at a jam-packed house.

Rep. Spartz spoke about the importance of defending our Constitution, and how much it meant to her, being originally from Ukraine. Norquist spoke about the importance of keeping taxes low and the government out of our pockets.

HONORING AMERICA'S HEROES

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY –

On September 18, for the second year in a row, the Second Amendment Institute laid a Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This solemn ceremony consists of a party of four. Two Wreath Bearers and two Participants. The party begins the ceremony by meeting Honor Guard Soldiers (U.S. Army) at the barracks.

After reviewing instructions, the party waits at the top of the stairs facing the Tomb. Once the Honor Guard Soldier arrives, the party is escorted down the stairs, past the chains, and in front of the Tomb. The two Wreath Bearers are instructed to place the Wreath in front of the Tomb. “Present Arms” is issued, followed by the playing of Taps. The ceremony concludes upon an issue of “Order Arms.”

This year’s party included retired Army/Navy Veteran Staci Claunch* (Women for Gun Rights), retired Police Officer Dianna Muller (Women for Gun Rights)*, Tyler Yzaguirre, and SAI Board Member, Cheryl Todd. A special thanks to SAI’s friend, Mr. Larry Harvey, for taking on the photographer role.

*Denotes Wreath Bearer

ANNUAL FREEDOM HOLIDAY PARTY ROCKS THE FIRST STATE WITH SOLD OUT DINNER

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE –

December 5 - Second Amendment Institute Board Members George Lyon, Cheryl Todd and Kerrie Ann Auclair, alongside Tyler Yzaguirre and Second Amendment Champion Dick Heller (DC v. Heller), joined the Delaware Conservative Caucus in hosting the annual Freedom Holiday Party at the DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware.

Local elected officials joined the party including longtime State Senator David Lawson (SD-15). Lawson is an Air Force Veteran and retired Delaware State Trooper. As an expert firearms instructor, Lawson currently owns an indoor range in Delaware, Shooters Choice.

The Conservative Caucus of Delaware is a non-profit, educational-based organization founded in 1984 to promote conservative viewpoints on issues, such as fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, right to life, religious liberty, strong defense, educational freedom, and less regulation.

CCODE is chaired by Ms. Suzie Dickson, which under her leadership has become a flagship Conservative organization in Delaware.

BOARD MEETING PROJECTS LONG TERM SUCCESS

PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 5 - 7

The Second Amendment Institute (SAI) convened its annual Board of Directors meeting this year in the heart of American history, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The meeting, led by Board Chairman LTC Allen West (ret.), marked an important gathering of key figures dedicated to preserving and advancing Second Amendment rights. Other Board Members in attendance included Col. Rob Maness (ret.), George Lyon, Cheryl Todd, and freshman Board Member Kerrie Ann Auclair. Tyler Yzaguirre and SAI CFO Zakery Tretton also participated in the meeting.

Special guests attending the event included renowned Second Amendment advocate Mr. Dick Heller, the plaintiff in the landmark DC v. Heller case, and long-time supporter Mr. Larry Harvey. Their participation underscored the importance of the ongoing battle to defend rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

The Board outlined several ambitious goals for 2025, focusing on expanding SAI’s reach and impact on national gun rights issues. Key initiatives for the coming year include:

• Hosting a happy hour for new Congressional Member to foster connections and drive legislative support for Second Amendment causes.
• Filming a documentary to highlight the history and significance of the Second Amendment, Institute to further educating the public on its importance.
• Filing more federal lawsuits aimed at protecting and advancing Second Amendment rights.
• Achieving monthly gun rights goals that will have a measurable impact on national policy and public awareness.

Outside of the formal Board meeting, attendees were treated to a private tour of the American Revolution Museum, where they explored the foundations of American liberty.

They also visited the iconic Independence Hall, where the nation's founding documents were crafted, deepening their understanding of the historical context surrounding the rights they seek to protect. The day concluded with a series of social events, including lunch and dinner, where members of the Board and special guests were able to network, share ideas, and strengthen the camaraderie that fuels the work of the Second Amendment Institute.

LTC Allen West (ret.) expressed his enthusiasm for the direction of the organization, stating, "The work we do at the Second Amendment Institute is more important than ever. We are committed to ensuring that future generations of Americans can enjoy the freedoms that have been protected by the Second Amendment for more than two centuries."

The Second Amendment Institute continues to lead the charge in defending the right to keep and bear arms, working tirelessly through litigation, advocacy, and public education. With the goals set for 2025, the organization is poised for an even more impactful year in the ongoing fight to preserve American freedoms.

This year’s Board of Directors meeting was covered in part by Mr. John Petrolino of BearingArms.com. To view Board Meeting photos, please visit www.SaiNational.org/Events

SECURE OUR FREEDOM'S FUTURE TODAY

The Second Amendment Institute is steadfast in its commitment to fiduciary responsibility and transparency. Since 2019, the organization has maintained Platinum Level Transparency with GuideStar’s Candid, the preeminent evaluator of nonprofit organizations. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity, donations to SAI are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by IRS regulations.

Scan the QR code or visit https://www.sainational.org/endofyear to make your year-end, tax-deductible contribution.