Mike
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http://www.wisn.com/politics/19235901/detail.html- with VIDEO
What Do You Think About Open Carry Of Guns?
Milwaukee Mayor Furious; Gun Rights Groups Claim Victory
POSTED: 11:03 pm CDT April 20, 2009
UPDATED: 11:02 am CDT April 21, 2009
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MILWAUKEE -- [/b]Gun rights groups are claiming victory after Wisconsin's attorney general said people can openly carry firearms.
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While the activists are praising the decision, others -- including Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett -- are not happy.
Opencarry.org member Nik Clark, of New Berlin, said he wouldn't wear his gun in public in some communities for fear of being arrested, but that is no longer the case after Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen ruled that openly carrying a firearm is legal in Wisconsin.
"It doesn't mean you can un-holster it, it doesn't mean you can waive it around, but it does mean you can openly carry a firearm," Clark said.
In a memo to all of Wisconsin’s district attorneys, Van Hollen said the right to openly carry a gun is protected by the state constitution.
"I don't see people suddenly starting to openly carry weapons because of this opinion,” Van Hollen said. “I think most people who would be so inclined are already aware of the fact that the law permitted them to do so.”
He said he was asked by a number of district attorneys to offer his opinion after a West Allis, Wis., man was charged with disorderly conduct last summer for wearing his gun while doing yard work. The man was eventually acquitted.
"If some people misunderstood or were misled about what their rights are, it's good we could clarify those things," Clark said.
Barrett said he is furious with the decision.
"It almost seems like the A.G. is encouraging people to carry guns in Milwaukee, and I cant think of a worse idea," Barrett said.
Felons still are not allowed to posses firearms, and they can't be brought into government buildings or near schools, according to Van Hollen.
But as long as the owner is following the law, they can carry a gun.
"Does that mean if they are walking down the street with an Uzi that that doesn't cause a disturbance?" Barrett said. "It’s insane. It's insane to be carrying guns on the streets of Milwaukee."
Van Hollen said police officers can still stop and briefly detain a person wearing a gun for investigative purposes.
http://www.wisn.com/politics/19235901/detail.html- with VIDEO
What Do You Think About Open Carry Of Guns?
Milwaukee Mayor Furious; Gun Rights Groups Claim Victory
POSTED: 11:03 pm CDT April 20, 2009
UPDATED: 11:02 am CDT April 21, 2009
[*]
MILWAUKEE -- [/b]Gun rights groups are claiming victory after Wisconsin's attorney general said people can openly carry firearms.
Click To Comment
While the activists are praising the decision, others -- including Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett -- are not happy.
Opencarry.org member Nik Clark, of New Berlin, said he wouldn't wear his gun in public in some communities for fear of being arrested, but that is no longer the case after Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen ruled that openly carrying a firearm is legal in Wisconsin.
"It doesn't mean you can un-holster it, it doesn't mean you can waive it around, but it does mean you can openly carry a firearm," Clark said.
In a memo to all of Wisconsin’s district attorneys, Van Hollen said the right to openly carry a gun is protected by the state constitution.
"I don't see people suddenly starting to openly carry weapons because of this opinion,” Van Hollen said. “I think most people who would be so inclined are already aware of the fact that the law permitted them to do so.”
He said he was asked by a number of district attorneys to offer his opinion after a West Allis, Wis., man was charged with disorderly conduct last summer for wearing his gun while doing yard work. The man was eventually acquitted.
"If some people misunderstood or were misled about what their rights are, it's good we could clarify those things," Clark said.
Barrett said he is furious with the decision.
"It almost seems like the A.G. is encouraging people to carry guns in Milwaukee, and I cant think of a worse idea," Barrett said.
Felons still are not allowed to posses firearms, and they can't be brought into government buildings or near schools, according to Van Hollen.
But as long as the owner is following the law, they can carry a gun.
"Does that mean if they are walking down the street with an Uzi that that doesn't cause a disturbance?" Barrett said. "It’s insane. It's insane to be carrying guns on the streets of Milwaukee."
Van Hollen said police officers can still stop and briefly detain a person wearing a gun for investigative purposes.