These young Kansas Citians are arming themselves against the rise of far-right violence

Gen Z has the lowest rates of gun ownership in the U.S., but young people like Lydia Kidder and Ryan Whelan are the exception. The Kansas City couple say they've lost faith in elected officials and law enforcement to keep them safe, and are worried about white supremacist groups like the Proud Boys.
Lydia Kidder, 21, is preparing to begin their first firearms safety and training course. They don’t own a gun personally, but says they plan to purchase one in the months after their class, once they’ve saved up enough money.

Growing up, they never saw themselves becoming a gun owner. Their father, a hunter, made a point to get rid of any firearms before Kidder was born. They say family and friends often avoided the topic of guns and gun ownership all together.

Now, however, a lack of trust in government and law enforcement has convinced them that they have no choice but to get used to using a gun.