Metropolitan Police Department (DC Police / MPD)

Cab Drivers Shouldn't Carry Concealed Weapons, D.C. Police Chief Says

D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier says taxi drivers should be banned from carrying concealed handguns.

Lanier  made the recommendation during a hearing on a bill that would allow District of Columbia residents and visitors to get concealed handgun permits for the first time in nearly 40 years. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}

At Lanier's urging, the bill also includes restrictions on carrying guns near dignitaries or at high-profile events. But she says carrying a weapon should be  restricted areas where carrying a weapon would be prohibited to the grounds and parking lots surrounding government buildings.

The bill has widespread support from the District's political leaders, and Democratic Mayor Vincent Gray has already signed a temporary version. But Thursday marks the first public hearing on the bill. Advocates for gun rights and gun control are also scheduled to testify.

Gun-rights advocates say the bill doesn't fully comply with the Second Amendment because it requires people to show a reason why they need to carry a gun for self-defense.

 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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