Does 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A) criminalize the defendant's subjective intent or the firearm's objective potential?

Question Presented 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A) increases the sentence of “any person who, during and in relation to any crime of violence . . . uses or carries a firearm, or who in furtherance of any such crime possesses a firearm.” Some circuit courts hold the “in furtherance of’ language requires a mens rea of specific intent for the firearm to further the offense. Others hold knowing possession of a firearm that could further the crime— regardless of the intent to actually further it—is the relevant inquiry. Does 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A) criminalize the defendant’s subjective intent or the firearm’s objective potential.