Concealed weapons to cross state lines

    By: Phil Gregory

    The U.S. Senate is considering a measure Wednesday that would let people licensed to carry a concealed weapon take it across state lines.

    By: Phil Gregory
    PhilGregorynews@gmail.com

    The U.S. Senate is considering a measure Wednesday that would let people licensed to carry a concealed weapon take it across state lines, so long as they follow state gun laws restricting concealed weapons. The proposed amendment to a defense authorization bill is provoking strong reactions across the country.

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    Licensed gun owners now face up to 10 years in prison for bringing a concealed weapon into New Jersey.

    Evan Nappen, an Eatontown attorney on the board of the New Jersey Association of Rifle and Pistol Clubs, says he welcomes the proposed amendment.

    Nappen: Licensed law abiding citizens are not committing crimes. As a matter of fact they are a deterrent to crime.

    But critics say changing the law could increase gun violence. Fred Gordon is President of the New Jersey State Troopers Non-Commissioned Officers Association.

    Gordon: I believe this bill would encourage a Wild West mentality. Can you image law-abiding citizens and criminals shooting it out in densely populated cities?

    Gordon says the measure could put more law enforcement officers at risk by making it harder to distinguish between a gun that’s concealed legally, or illegally.

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