Concealed-carry backers to march in Springfield

Springfield News Sun
November 30, 2003

Dozens of armed supporters of the right to carry concealed guns plan to march through downtown Springfield on Sunday.

Demonstrators will openly wear their handguns to protest the lack of resolve of Ohio legislators and Gov. Bob Taft to pass concealed-carry legislation.

"We want to make sure people understand that we have the right to do this," said Thomas Kane, who is helping organize the event. "A lot of people don't understand that it's perfectly legal to carry a firearm openly."

Ohio law, like most other states, allows open-carry without restrictions.

Kane believes that should be enough to spur legislators into passing concealed-carry legislation requiring background checks, training and a permit.

"The conceal-carry we want passed is a lot more restrictive," said Kane, 37, a truck driver by trade.

Demonstrators will meet at 1 p.m. in the public parking area at Fountain Avenue and Jefferson Street, just south of the public library. A safety briefing will be held at 1:30 p.m., followed by the walk around downtown.

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Springfield Police Division officers will ensure order during the demonstration.

The Police Division is expecting demonstrators to abide by all city ordinances, including staying on sidewalks and crossing at crosswalks during the march, according to Chief Steve Moody.

"It's their right to assemble," said Moody. "We're providing an escort as we would with any other gathering of people that are going to walk in support of something. That's all we're doing."

Participants will wear their holsters and handguns, and guns may be loaded or unloaded at the discretion of the individual, Kane said. He expects 40 to 50 people, from the local area and from other communities, to demonstrate.

The Springfield walk is the same day as other "Defense Walks" scheduled in Clifton and near Toledo at Perrysburg, according to the Ohioans For Concealed Carry Web site at www.buckeyefirearms.org.

These walks follow a similar demonstration Sunday where protesters marched around the governor's mansion in Columbus, openly carrying firearms.

According to Kane, the "Defense Walks" started earlier this year and are designed to educate the public regarding the use of firearms for self-protection.

"These are safe and lawful events," said Kane, who has participated in four events. "All we want is that people know exactly what is going on."

Kane said opponents of an Ohio concealed-carry law claim there will be "gun fighting in the streets," and that hasn't happened in any other state with similar laws.

"Not one state has ever repealed a concealed-carry law," said Kane. "(Opponents) obviously seem to think that there is something wrong with citizens of Ohio that they're irresponsible or more likely to be criminals."

Click here to read the story in the Springfield News Sun.

Click here for information on the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Walks in Clifton (Cincinnati), Perrysburg (Toledo) and Springfield.