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Arkansans can legally carry firearms to protests, a law professor told Axios, but contradictory state statutes create gray areas that could complicate interpretation.

The big picture: The shooting death of Alex Pretti in Minnesota last month put some gun rights groups at odds with messaging from the Trump administration, exposing tension between First and Second Amendment protections.

FBI Director Kash Patel said, "You cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want. It's that simple."

"Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens," the National Rifle Association said in a statement.

State of play: "The law now in Arkansas is a little complicated or convoluted, because there's two strains in the law, two branches," University of Arkansas law professor Robert Steinbuch told Axios.

The concealed carry licensing statute, enacted in 1995, and the constitutional carry law enacted in 2013 both apply.

Friction point: In theory, someone with a concealed carry license could face restrictions that someone under constitutional carry would not — a legal oddity Steinbuch calls inconsistent.

The concealed carry law prohibits people with a license from carrying a firearm in "any place where a parade or demonstration requiring a permit is being held, and the licensee is a participant."

The state's enhanced concealed carry license allows holders to carry in more areas, notably on college campuses, he said.

Yes, but: The constitutional carry law allows an adult to carry a firearm concealed or openly without a concealed carry license, unless they're in a specifically prohibited location — like a courthouse or police station. That framework does not broadly prohibit carrying at a typical First Amendment protest, Steinbuch said.

"It's historical and it's complicated … and that makes for a difficult understanding," he said. "This law says this, and then this law says that — what's the law? — the answer is, well, it's kind of both."

Zoom out: Licensed concealed carry instructor Tracy Barnett of MountainTop Gun Shop in Winslow said that, despite constitutional carry, many people still choose to get their concealed carry permit because it's required if one travels to many nearby states that recognize reciprocity.

Requests for the six-hour course have been steady for the past eight years, she said.

"I'm very pro-eduction," Barnett said. "I think it's important to understand the laws … ignorance of the law is not a pass."

What they're saying: A public information officer at the Little Rock Police Department deferred comments to the Arkansas State Police.

The Arkansas Department of Public Safety, which oversees the state police and administers state concealed carry licenses, declined to comment for this story. A spokesperson shared a link to the state's webpage for concealed carry applications and instructions.

The National Rifle Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"I am concerned about those statements made by officials that suggest that [Pretti] was not entitled to carry a gun," Steinbuch said.

"That is a statement that is contrary to a pro-gun-right philosophy."

What we're watching: Steinbuch said he's not certain the inconsistency requires legislative repair, but acknowledged it creates confusion.

It's not clear if Arkansas' lawmakers will proactively work to fix the contradictions in the law at the next General Assembly in 2027, but Republican Rep. Aaron Pilkington, who's worked on firearm legislation in the past, told Axios it's a possibility.

Revealing holes in Arkansas' concealed carry law

Someone with a concealed carry license could face restrictions that someone under constitutional carry would not.

Illustration of a gun with a trigger in the shape of a question mark

Arkansans can legally carry firearms to protests, a law professor told Axios, but contradictory state statutes create gray areas that could complicate interpretation.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shooting death" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/24/minneapolis-ice-shooting-id" data-vars-content-id="223d24f3-4c9e-4707-aa34-cbbf7252461e" data-vars-headline="Revealing holes in Arkansas&#x27; concealed carry law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/24/minneapolis-ice-shooting-id" target="_self">shooting death</a> of Alex Pretti in Minnesota last month put some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gun rights groups at odds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/25/gun-groups-challenge-minneapolis-shooting-pretti" data-vars-content-id="223d24f3-4c9e-4707-aa34-cbbf7252461e" data-vars-headline="Revealing holes in Arkansas&#x27; concealed carry law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/25/gun-groups-challenge-minneapolis-shooting-pretti" target="_self">gun rights groups at odds</a> with messaging from the Trump administration, exposing tension between First and Second Amendment protections.

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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrapped his nationwide "Arsenal of Freedom" tour Friday at L3Harris' rocket motor campus in south Arkansas.

Why it matters: Arkansas produces more than 115,000 solid rocket motors annually, per the Arkansas Advocate. Aerospace and defense were the state's top export sectors in 2024, worth more than $950 million, according to an Arkansas Economic Development Commission report.

Driving the news: L3Harris is investing $500 million to expand its Camden facility, adding 20 buildings, 110 acres and boosting large rocket motor production capacity sixfold.

State of play: Republicans Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman introduced Hegseth to a crowd of about 1,500 Friday morning.

Hegseth credited Arkansas-built motors with supporting a January military operation in Venezuela, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

The visit included a stop at General Dynamics' 155mm artillery plant and an enlistment ceremony for 40 Arkansas recruits — 20 for the Arkansas National Guard and 20 entering active service.

The Trump administration is pushing for a proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal 2027.

Yes, but: Expanding munitions production comes even as defense spending faces scrutiny over contractor oversight. Hegseth criticized past industry practices like offshoring and stock buybacks, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

The bottom line: South Arkansas has become a key supplier to the U.S. defense industrial base.

Defense Secretary Hegseth touts south Arkansas

Arkansas produces more than 115,000 solid rocket motors annually

Seven people in business attire stand outdoors on grass near a sign reading "Arsenal of Freedom Building," with two cranes holding an American flag in the background under clear blue sky.

From left, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and L3Harris Technologies executives Christopher Kubasik, Ken Bedingfield and Scott Alexander at L3Harris' expansion site in Camden. Photo: Will Newton/Office of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrapped his nationwide &quot;Arsenal of Freedom&quot; tour Friday at L3Harris&#x27; rocket motor campus in south Arkansas.Why it matters: Arkansas produces more than 115,000 solid rocket motors annually, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arkansas Advocate" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2026/02/27/hegseth-touts-arkansas-missile-industry-in-speech-at-arms-factory-expansion-site/" data-vars-content-id="40127b71-7844-46ed-957e-2673bc07db06" data-vars-headline="Defense Secretary Hegseth touts south Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2026/02/27/hegseth-touts-arkansas-missile-industry-in-speech-at-arms-factory-expansion-site/" target="_blank">Arkansas Advocate</a>. Aerospace and defense were the state&#x27;s top export sectors in 2024, worth more than $950 million, according to an Arkansas Economic Development Commission <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://info.arkansasedc.com/Aerospace-and-Defense-Industry-Report" data-vars-content-id="40127b71-7844-46ed-957e-2673bc07db06" data-vars-headline="Defense Secretary Hegseth touts south Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://info.arkansasedc.com/Aerospace-and-Defense-Industry-Report" target="_blank">report</a>.

Aerospace

Republican Brad Simon and Independent Adam Watson face off Tuesday for the state Senate District 26 seat vacated after Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R-Branch) died in September.

Why it matters: About 83,000 residents live in the district, which includes portions of Franklin, Johnson, Logan and Sebastian counties. 

Much of the district is embroiled in conflict with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders over proposed plans to locate a 3,000-bed prison there. 

The big picture: Both candidates oppose locating the prison there, citing a lack of infrastructure, utilities and workforce to support what would be the state's largest single project, estimated at $750 million to $1 billion.

Flashback: Sanders initially scheduled the special elections for June 9, after lawmakers' April fiscal session.

Court battles ultimately led to the elections being moved to March 3.

Simon, who owns a statewide pest control company, said his candidacy stems from frustration with what he views as government waste and overreach affecting small-business owners. He presents himself as a practical, business-minded conservative focused on fiscal responsibility and local feasibility.

What he's saying: "Making sure that our tax dollars are being spent wisely is my priority," he told Axios.

He supports expanding prison capacity statewide to address prison overcrowding, but he strongly opposes the proposed Franklin County site. 

He thinks the state would do better to find another location that includes communities that want the project, saying the state should invest in reentry and mental health projects to reduce inmate recidivism.

His broader goal is to apply private-sector discipline to state spending and eliminate what he sees as inefficient capital decisions.

Watson, who works in business development and spent more than a decade in commercial real estate and litigation support, said his candidacy stemmed from his advocacy against the proposed Franklin County prison site. He positions himself as an independent voice focused on government transparency, fiscal restraint and structural reform.

What he's saying: "I think the best way to serve this place … is to have somebody that's only beholden to their constituents," he said.

He opposes the current prison proposal, arguing that repeated legislative pushback should have ended the project and that the process exposed deeper governance issues in Little Rock.

He acknowledges the need for additional prison capacity, but he said lawmakers must also address reentry programs, mental health investment and what he views as power imbalances within state government.

His broader goal is to build bipartisan coalitions and emphasize accountability, budget discipline and procedural reform over partisan ideological fights.

What to know about candidates for Arkansas Senate District 26

Much of the district is embroiled in conflict with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders over proposed plans to locate a 3,000-bed prison there.

Side-by-side portraits of two smiling men in business attire; left man wears black glasses with outdoor greenery background, right man has trimmed beard with indoor wooden background.

Adam Watson, left, and Brad Simon are running for the state Senate seat for District 26. Photos: Courtesy of the campaigns

Republican Brad Simon and Independent Adam Watson face off Tuesday for the state Senate District 26 seat vacated after Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R-Branch) died in September.Why it matters: About <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="83,000 residents" data-vars-click-url="https://ballotpedia.org/Arkansas_State_Senate_District_26" data-vars-content-id="6b1c6215-838f-4dce-a854-eff95e81364e" data-vars-headline="What to know about candidates for Arkansas Senate District 26" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Arkansas_State_Senate_District_26" target="_blank">83,000 residents</a> live in the district, which includes portions of Franklin, Johnson, Logan and Sebastian counties.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders opined about the 2028 general election on "Fox & Friends" on Thursday, following a commentary in the Wall Street Journal critiquing the Democratic Party.

What she said: "The president now is cleaning up a lot of the messes from the Biden-Harris administration — chaos around the world, an economy that left so many people hurting, unable to afford basic necessities — and now we finally have a president who is putting us on the right track, leading from the top."

"If Kamala Harris is the best person that the Democrats can run again, I think '28 is looking really good for Republicans."

"We're going to come off of an administration where our economy is strong, the president has ended eight wars and continues to bring stability around the world. He is doing things that actually matter, that actually impact the people living in this country and around the globe, and that's the type of leadership they want."

Reality check: An AP fact check says President Trump's "eight wars" claim is exaggerated and his approval ratings on key issues — including the economy, immigration and foreign policy— are trending lower among U.S. adults.  

What's next: Early voting for the March 3 Arkansas primary has begun.

State Sen. Fred Love (D-Little Rock) is facing Supha Xayprasith-Mays, a business owner and former Walmart executive, for the Democratic nomination to oppose Sanders in the November midterm election.

Arkansas Gov. Sanders knocks Dems on Fox News

"If Kamala Harris is the best person that the Democrats can run again, I think '28 is looking really good for Republicans," Sanders said.

Split-screen of two female Fox News hosts during "Fox & Friends" live broadcast. Left host in red jacket reading papers, right host smiling in green top. Caption warns Dems about 2028.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders opined about the 2028 general election on &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fox &amp; Friends" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6389570439112" data-vars-content-id="ac621f56-12f0-4511-9f96-5ed102302d4b" data-vars-headline="Arkansas Gov. Sanders knocks Dems on Fox News" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6389570439112" target="_blank">Fox &amp; Friends</a>&quot; on Thursday, following a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="commentary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/democrats-you-may-already-have-lost-the-2028-election-7bab8946?st=6xtgWW&amp;reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink" data-vars-content-id="ac621f56-12f0-4511-9f96-5ed102302d4b" data-vars-headline="Arkansas Gov. Sanders knocks Dems on Fox News" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/democrats-you-may-already-have-lost-the-2028-election-7bab8946?st=6xtgWW&amp;reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink" target="_blank">commentary</a> in the Wall Street Journal critiquing the Democratic Party.

IMO, there are three types of burgers: Fast food, burgers made at joints that focus on making good burgers, and gourmet level.

I've had gourmet-level versions at steakhouses and burger joints alike, so try not to judge a burger by its bun.

The setup: Gaskins on Emma is upscale dining for NWA, what some might call a steakhouse.

The owners started out in 2024 with dinner service only, but last year began offering a limited lunch menu. I justified returning based on the midday meal.

Best bites: One can settle for a salad or splurge on a prime rib focaccia melt, but I'll make the case for the Gaskins Smash Burger ($15). With two patties, white cheddar cheese, shallot jam and pickles, it's a hefty lunch. Fries are included.

This thing delivers everything I want in a lunch: It's flavorful, filling and had me thinking about how quickly I can make it back.

The sweetness of the jam and the savory, salty umami of the beef make it craveable. I couldn't stop eating until the plate was clean.

The fries were impeccable — crispy outside, soft inside.

Buzzyworthy bonus: It's very cool to see the scene in downtown Springdale these days. It's not the sleepy Emma Ave. of yesteryear. That means parking can be a challenge.

If you go, be prepared to hunt for a spot and stroll a bit — that's not a bad thing.

📍Stop by: Gaskins on Emma at 100 W. Emma Ave., Suite 115 in Springdale serves lunch Tuesday-Friday 11am-2pm and dinner Tuesday-Saturday 4pm-9pm. Reservations are recommended for dinner.

Monday Munchies: Lunch at Gaskins on Emma

One can settle for a salad or splurge on a prime rib focaccia melt, but I'll make the case for the Gaskins smash burger.

Plate with a cheeseburger featuring pickles and melted cheese on a toasted bun, served with golden-brown thick-cut fries and a small metal container of ketchup.

The Gaskins smash burger. Photo: Worth Sparkman/Axios

IMO, there are three types of burgers: Fast food, burgers made at joints that focus on making good burgers, and gourmet level.<ul><li>I&#x27;ve had gourmet-level versions at steakhouses and burger joints alike, so try not to judge a burger by its bun.</li></ul>

Worth Sparkman

Featured stories

Defense Secretary Hegseth touts south Arkansas

What to know about candidates for Arkansas Senate District 26

Monday Munchies: Lunch at Gaskins on Emma

Revealing holes in Arkansas' concealed carry law

Arkansas Gov. Sanders knocks Dems on Fox News