AP: Concealed weapons backers plan armed shopping trip

VERMILION, Ohio (AP) -- Supporters of a concealed weapons bill plan to holiday shop Saturday while wearing holstered guns.

"Handguns only, please. Longarms risk knocking over merchandise and crowding other customers. It will be your choice whether to carry your firearm loaded," Dan White advises on his Web page promoting "Vermilion Open Carry Shopping Day."

The 29-year-old Lorain man is organizing the two-hour outing to bring attention to the legislation passed by the state Legislature last week. Gov. Bob Taft has indicated he intends to veto the bill, which would give Ohioans the right to carry a concealed gun.

White, a member of Ohioans for Concealed Carry, organized a walk in downtown Lorain in October, but decided to go a step further this time and have the armed adults go into stores.

Proponents of the legislation say that carrying a concealed weapon is a safer, less stressful way to exercise one's right to bear arms. By having men and women openly wear holstered guns, which is legal, White hopes to present a "visual choice to citizens."

White said he chose Vermilion -- a quiet lakefront city located 35 miles west of Cleveland -- because he does his Christmas shopping there every year.

A handful of merchants have told White and the other armed shoppers to stay out.

"Guns bring violence," said Tony Sidoti, who owns Victorian Country Cottage.

White said the armed shoppers will respect the store owners' wishes.

Toby Hoover, executive director of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence, said the event is not in keeping with the "peace and goodwill" spirit of the holiday.

Click here to read the Associated Press Story.

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