As Concealed-Carry Deadline Looms, What Is Best Approach?
CHICAGO (CBS) – The top cops for Chicago and Cook County are working to get guns off the streets, but a pro NRA group wants to put them back in the hands of people living in Chicago.
CBS 2's Marissa Bailey reports on how a looming concealed-carry deadline could affect the problem.
A 16-year-old riding a bike shot at police this weekend.
They shot back, killing the teen and, police say, ultimately saving the lives of many.
"He's a juvenile," said Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy. "I'm not supposed to talk about his history, but it's not the first time we came in contact with him."
McCarthy answered questions about the shooting at a news conference this morning, which was called to display guns taken off Chicago streets.
But as Chicago's top cop works to get rid of illegally-owed guns, Kyle Coplen is working to put them in the hands of Chicagoans to defend themselves from criminals.
Coplen is with the pro NRA group, Armed Citizens Project, and says people shouldn't be afraid to defend their homes.
"We're giving folks the tools with which to defend their life liberty and property," said Coplen. "We're training them how to use these weapons, and we're empowering citizens."
McCarthy's reaction to the group's efforts to hand out shotguns to Chicagoans?
"I think you know what my reaction is: The answer to gun violence is not more guns."
And with the June 9 deadline looming in Springfield to pass a conceal-carry law, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said he'll have a backup plan ready to go for Cook County—just in case.
"We have to be responsible," Dart said. "We can't just sit here and hope something is going to get done in Springfield."
In Springfield misses that deadline, Dart said, anyone in the state with a firearm owners identification card could carry a concealed weapon anywhere.
"This is one we just can't let go -- they gave it a try, it didn't happen and now it's going to be the Wild West here
"We believe that this provides the framework for us to feel comfortable with the issue of concealed carry."
Dart's plan is not quite finalized yet.
It would go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 10-- if the state doesn't pass a concealed-carry law.
Dart's plan would require people to apply for a concealed-carry permit – for a particular reason. There would be a small fee associated with the application process, he said.
People would not be able to carry them in public places such as casinos, bars, amusement parks, government buildings or places where government meets. The ban would also include schools.
The list and the specifics are not yet finalized, but the sheriff is open to suggestions from the public.
