Congressman Pat Harrigan introduced the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act on Apr. 16, aiming to grant federal concealed carry authority to both serving and veteran special operations forces members whose firearms training matches or exceeds that of retired law enforcement officers.
The proposed legislation seeks to address what supporters describe as a gap in federal recognition for highly trained military personnel. Currently, retired police officers are allowed nationwide concealed carry privileges under federal law, but no such provision exists for elite military veterans.
“Federal law already trusts retired police officers to carry concealed nationwide. That makes sense. But it makes no sense that an active or retired SEAL or Green Beret, someone who spent a career mastering firearms under the most demanding conditions in the world, has no equivalent recognition under federal law,” said Congressman Harrigan. “This bill fixes that. It does not create new rights or weaken any safeguard. It simply extends an existing, proven framework to the warriors who have earned it more than anyone.”
Sean Williamson, Executive Director of ATLAS Rescue, also voiced support for the measure: “Atlas Rescue enthusiastically supports this legislation recognizing Special Operations veterans for their unique skills and service to our country. This recognition strengthens our ability to deploy highly trained operators in the fight against human trafficking, enabling us to more effectively bring that expertise to missions that protect the vulnerable and dismantle trafficking networks.”
The act proposes amending current statutes so qualified special operators would receive permanent nationwide concealed carry authority without annual requalification requirements but remain subject to all existing firearm restrictions. The bill covers honorably discharged servicemembers from specific paygrades with verified service in units such as Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps Scout Snipers and others. It also directs relevant government departments to establish a photographic identification program within 180 days of enactment and requires guidance be issued ensuring uniform credential recognition by law enforcement agencies.
In recent years Congressman Harrigan won his seat after defeating Ralph R. Scott Jr., securing 57.5% of votes according to Ballotpedia.
Harrigan is calling on fellow lawmakers to support this bill as a way of honoring America’s elite warriors.
