All That Remains singer Philip Labonte was ready to speak his mind on guns and the right to bear arms in an Op-Ed piece he penned for Alternative Press, but in light of the recent shootings in Colorado, he's taken the time to address his thoughts after the events for the magazine as well.

His initial position was that he felt that Americans have the right to bear arms, and even with the events of last week, he still holds that belief to be true. He states, "Before I go into the discussion, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the families of those affected by the violent and inhuman acts perpetrated on that fateful night."

Labonte says that while popular opinion are that these horrendous acts are a uniquely American problem, he notes that July 22 was the one-year anniversary of the massacre in Norway where 77 people lost their lives and a shooting in June in Toronto claimed the life of one with seven others injured. He adds, "There are violent and mentally damaged people all over the world. If they are looking to harm innocents, they are going to do it, regardless of law."

Getting into his thoughts on the Second Amendment, he explains that many people have misconstrued its intent, which was to ensure tyranny would not take hold in the U.S. and that a truly free people had the means to defend themselves from those who would use force against them.

He adds, "People who are pro-gun control often say that individuals do not have a right to be armed and the Second Amendment was intended only for the militia. That is a gross misinterpretation. That point was made clear on an individual level in 2008 with D.C. v. Heller, and in 2010 with McDonald v. Chicago. Both decisions upheld the individual's right to possess a firearm on a federal and state level. Combine that with the fact that the Supreme Court has ruled time and time again that the police have no constitutional obligation to protect an individual. (I believe this is primarily to prevent liability suits) and it is clear that it is an individual’s responsibility to secure their person, family and property."

Labonte says, "Without a means to protect these things, one is at the mercy of an aggressor and consequently, deprived of liberty." The singer concludes, "I know everyone will not agree with my opinions, but my facts are sound. The Second Amendment is a right that was given to us to prevent the federal government from becoming tyrannical. Proponents of gun control would do well to learn the history of gun control and the terrible tragedies that often follow the disarming of a population."

To read Labonte's full piece, check here.

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