Episode 189. Fighting for Freedom: Mayor Daniel Francisco on Gun Rights and Local Activism in New Jersey

Show Notes

Episode 189. Fighting for Freedom:  Mayor Daniel Francisco on Gun Rights and Local Activism in New Jersey

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with Daniel Francisco, the mayor of Englishtown, New Jersey, and a passionate advocate for gun rights. They discuss Daniel's journey from political agnosticism to activism, his efforts to challenge restrictive firearm laws in New Jersey, and the impact of the Supreme Court's Bruin decision on gun rights. Daniel shares insights into the challenges of obtaining a carry permit in New Jersey, the importance of local activism, and his collaboration with the Firearms Policy Coalition. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the power of local initiatives in promoting individual liberties.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Firearm Rights Advocacy

07:04 Daniel Francisco's Political Journey

11:51 Challenging New Jersey's Gun Laws

17:54 The Impact of Bruin on New Jersey's Gun Laws

23:53 Navigating the New Legal Landscape

29:38 Sensitive Places and Their Implications

30:07 Navigating Legal Complexities of Firearm Rights

32:18 The Emotional Connection to New Jersey

35:44 Finding Purpose in Activism

40:24 Local Change as a Catalyst for Broader Reform

46:23 Challenging New Jersey's Firearm Regulations

50:51 Collaboration with Firearms Policy Coalition

57:40 The Importance of Local Community Engagement

Resources

N.J. Town Resolves That Excessive Permitting Fees are Unconstitutional

https://bearingarms.com/john-petrolino/2025/06/12/nj-town-resolves-that-excessive-permitting-fees-are-unconstitutional-n1228911

Daniel Francisco

https://x.com/DFrancisco7/status/1932474129082405088

Struck v. Platkin

https://www.firearmspolicy.org/struck

https://assets.nationbuilder.com/firearmspolicycoalition/pages/8901/attachments/original/1727445403/Struck_v_Platkin_Complaint.pdf?1727445403

https://www.news2a.com/new-jersey/another-strong-2a-organization-files-suit-against-new-jerseys-failing-gun-control-laws/

Firearms Policy Coalition

https://www.firearmspolicy.org/about

https://www.firearmspolicy.org/act

John Petrolino

https://johnpetrolino.com/

https://x.com/johnpetrolino

https://www.facebook.com/thepenpatriot/

https://www.instagram.com/jpetrolinoiii/

2A and Bruen Methodology

https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-138-rahimi-politics-and-originalism/

https://gundigest.com/article/second-amendment-origins-to-today

Project Veritas

https://www.projectveritas.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectVeritas

https://x.com/Project_Veritas

https://www.youtube.com/@veritasvisuals

Takeaways

• Daniel Francisco's journey from political agnosticism to activism began in university.

• He became mayor of Englishtown, New Jersey, to advocate for gun rights.

• The resolution to refund carry permit fees is a significant step in challenging state laws.

• Bruen's decision has opened doors for gun rights advocates in New Jersey.

• Obtaining a carry permit in New Jersey involves multiple bureaucratic hurdles.

• Local activism is crucial for effecting change in restrictive environments.