Smith & Wesson, one of America’s most iconic firearm manufacturers, praised Elon Musk for his commitment to free speech after Facebook suspended the company’s account. The gunmaker, founded in 1852, expressed gratitude to Musk and his platform X for upholding constitutional rights in an era of increasing censorship.
The suspension occurred on November 22, marking the end of the account’s 15-year presence on Facebook. Smith & Wesson announced the suspension in a post on X, where it also commended Musk’s support for the First and Second Amendments.
“In an era where free speech and the right to bear arms are under constant attack, we want to thank @elonmusk and @X for supporting free speech and our constitutional rights,” the company wrote. It encouraged its 1.6 million Facebook followers to seek platforms that share these values.
Musk responded directly, stating, “We restored the gun emoji and believe in the Constitution.”
The National Association for Gun Rights, representing 4.5 million members, also praised Musk, highlighting X as a rare platform supporting Second Amendment advocacy. “It is becoming clear that X is one of the last major bastions of 2A and Firearms content on social media,” the group stated.
While Facebook later claimed that the suspension was a mistake, critics were quick to note that such “errors” often disproportionately affect conservative and pro-gun voices. Andy Stone, communications director for Meta, confirmed the account had been restored.
Smith & Wesson, now based in Maryville, Tennessee, remains a cornerstone of American firearm culture. The company reiterated its mission to empower Americans through the freedoms promised in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the Bill of Rights.
This incident underscores the growing divide between platforms like X, which prioritize free expression, and others accused of enforcing biased censorship policies. Advocates for constitutional rights see Musk’s leadership as a crucial counterbalance to the tightening restrictions elsewhere in the digital space.
