Form Channel 3 News Battle Creek, MI 1/20/10
NEWSCHANNEL 3) – After President Barack Obama won the election, gun sales went up.
The FBI says that in the three months following the election, the number of background checks to buy weapons increased by more than one million from the year before.
Reports say some stores are having trouble keeping up with demands, running out of both guns and ammo.
The right to carry weapons is part of an ongoing nationwide debate, and that debate is picking up in West Michigan.
People across the state are carrying guns out in the open, legally.
"I'm doing nothing different than a guy wearing a purple shirt on a Tuesday," said Steve Koch.
Koch, of Battle Creek, has openly carried a firearm for three years. Koch is a card carrying member of Open Carry Michigan, and just one of a growing number of Michigan residents who are taking advantage of a two decade old state law that says residents are free to carry guns in the open.
"I've always believed in the constitution and the right to defend yourself," said Koch.
The Battle Creek Police says that as the number of residents taking advantage of that law increases, there is a possibility that it will put the department in a tight situation.
"It catches us in a difficult bind," said Chief David Heading of the Battle Creek Police. "We understand the right to carry, but want the public's safety at the same time."
Chief Heading says he understands the open carry law, but fears that those who are utilizing the law are testing the department's limits.
"It's a difficult position," said Chief Heading, "they have to expect if we get a call, they will probably be somewhat detained and inquire about their intent."
Koch says he has every intention of continuing to carry his gun out in the open.
"You can either protect yourself or be victimized," said Koch. "There is no common ground."
At least the news guy put us on tv like that, he even told people about a link to this site. most medis will try to supress good information
