A recent court ruling in Tennessee has struck down two state laws, including the “Parks Statute,” which previously banned openly carrying firearms in public parks, deeming them unconstitutional and in violation of the Second Amendment. This decision, prompted by a 2023 lawsuit from a Washington D.C.-based gun rights lobby, has elicited mixed reactions from Nashville residents.

Some, like Eden, support the change, viewing it as a means to protect themselves and their families, while others, like Kendraa Williams, express concerns about safety, particularly for children in parks, citing recent high-profile shootings, such as the 2024 Red Caboose Park incident that killed a 13-year-old and a May 2025 shooting at Cedar Hill Park.

The court also overturned the state’s vague “going armed” statute, which critics argued could criminalize lawful gun ownership due to its unclear intent requirement. Both rulings are subject to appeal and may face further review by higher courts, leaving Nashville residents divided on the implications for public safety.