And just to remind folks, any and all of these folks are allowed to purchase any weapon of their choice and carry it with them "for self defense" or what ever other purpose comes to their mind.
Years back, we didn't have to consider this possibility. The hunters in our family rarely carried their long guns when going shopping, few owned handguns, and the ones that did, didn't carry them to the grocery or pharmacy when doing errands.
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I don't where you get your information, but you are mistaken. In most states, purchasing a firearm (legally) requires a criminal background check. Anyone with a history of mental illness, felony or misdemeanor involving violence is denied purchase. That doesn't mean it's impossible to obtain a firearm; it means they can't
legally obtain one.
Carrying a firearm in public (legally) requires a carry permit - again with a detailed background check. Just as with possession, that doesn't prevent anyone from breaking the law & carrying illegally.
There is no way to prevent anyone from doing something illegal....just as with illegal drugs, drunk driving, committing fraud, etc.
You can check the laws in your state (if you want to be informed) Your state has some of the toughest firearm restrictions:
https://www.federalcharges.com/massachusetts-guns-firearms-penalties/
https://www.mass.gov/lists/massachusetts-firearms-laws
