Rep. Ripp, O’Neil talk [2A] issues at forum. Daily Register WiscNews.com

Lyn Jerde said:

Numerous questions addressed issues related to firearms.

Ripp said "there is a place" for carrying concealed firearms, as long as those who are issued carry permits receive training. In the coming legislative session, he said, it's likely that this issue will emerge on several fronts - including, possibly, moves to forbid alcohol use by those carrying weapons, or allowing businesses to set their own policies as to whether they would allow people to carry guns on the premises.

O'Neil said she is open to hearing the arguments related to open carrying of weapons, which she said would be, in many ways, preferable to carrying concealed weapons.

But, in response to an audience question as to whether the public would be safer if more people were armed, O'Neil said - and Ripp agreed - that more people carrying weapons will not foster safety. Even law enforcement officers disagree with the prospect of having more people going armed in public, O'Neil said.

"They don't think more guns on the street will solve the problem," she said.

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But, in response to an audience question as to whether the public would be safer if more people were armed, O'Neil said - and Ripp agreed - that more people carrying weapons will not foster safety. Even law enforcement officers disagree with the prospect of having more people going armed in public, O'Neil said.

Click to expand...