AK - Right to bear arms expands

[FWiedner]

Right to bear arms expands

Anchorage, Alaska - If you go to the mall, stop to get gas, have an after-work drink out with friends, be aware -- the people around you may be packing heat. The list of places you can carry a weapon in Anchorage is about to expand.  

In just a few weeks you can add city buildings to that list. So KTUU-TV is taking a look at just where you can and cannot carry a firearm.

“The vast majority of Alaskans think they ought to be able to carry a firearm wherever they wish,” said Wayne Anthony Ross, National Rifle Association board member.

In just three weeks that wish will have less interference. Whether it's the library, the museum, Assembly chambers, the police department or city hall, the prohibition on weapons is coming to an end. Gun rights advocates think it is a good thing since it lets you be prepared if a bad guy happens to come your way.

“A person who is going to violate the law enough to commit an assault or a robbery or a murder, isn't going to worry about whether or not they are carry their firearm illegally into city hall or someplace else,” said Ross (left).

Still city officials want people to know their buildings are safe. And they hope people will feel safe enough to leave their guns behind.

“We hope they leave it in their car, secured, locked away, out of sight, but that they don't need to carry it in city hall. That's our preference,” said Dennis LeBlanc, city manager (right).

It may surprise you to learn that in addition to being allowed to carry a concealed weapon, you can also carry one in plain sight. But realize it may raise some eyebrows.

“Now it's certainly going to draw a lot of attention from people and you may get called on by the police to explain yourself,” said Honeman.

So here's the quick lesson. Your gun is off limits at schools, daycare centers and federal property - like military bases. Now this might surprise you -- as long as it's unloaded and you're sober, you can take it into a bar. Still it's something police, though they can't do much about it, frown upon.

“Really - alcohol and guns are a no-mix,” said Honeman.

However a bar, malls, and any private business can impose gun bans. They just need to post a sign.

“A business that does that, in my opinion, is very foolish,” said Ross.

Foolish in Ross’s eyes because, in his opinion, it then makes the business responsible for a patron's personal safety. Something he prefers to have in his own hands. And, finally, in just weeks, in city buildings from the Assembly chambers to the lobby at APD to city hall, you're clear to bear arms. A right Ross and LeBlanc both hope people don't take lightly.

“The idea of carrying a firearm is a very serious choice to make, because life is very precious,” said Ross.

“We're going to trust people to do the right thing,” said LeBlanc.  

Dick Traini did try to get the guards at Assembly meetings approved to carry firearms last spring. The motion was denied but Traini says he plans to keep at it until it gets the okay.

City facilities are changing their policy to meet state law. A bill was passed last session that prohibits cities from prohibiting people from the right to bear arms. Restricted or secure areas can still ban weapons, however.

http://www.ktuu.com/cms/templates/master.asp?articleid=151&zoneid=1

*FW Note:

Not really surprising that a bunch of panty-wetting politicians would worry about guns in the city hall.  People who know they need watching are usually nervous about such things.

If a you're business owner who decides that I can't defend myself on your property, you'd better be prepared to do it for me.  Personally, I don't trust you.

 :wink: