After 400 Gun Rights Supporters Filled Capitol, Gov. Pete Ricketts Declares Support for Open Carry
Democrats made a new enemy after attempts to change the rules to prohibit open carry in the Nebraska State Capitol. Governor Pete Ricketts said he was not interested in changing the Capitol rules as they made him feel safe.
“This is the people’s house, and people have the right to open carry in the state,” Gov. Ricketts said, “I support it and would be very hesitant about any further restrictions on it.”
Democrats had sworn to repeal the open carry provision in the state Capitol after 400 gun rights supporters flocked into the Capitol during the hearing of the previously failed gun control bills. Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha proposed the changes after a 28-year old former marine officer, Brett Hendrix, testified during the hearing while holding a loaded AR-15 rifle.
Another proponent of the prohibition of the open carry statute, State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, said she felt threatened by the presence of a gun. Sen. Jim Scheer of Norfolk claimed that the open carry of firearms within the Capitol buildings was a security risk. After the lack of support of the proposed gun control laws, Jim Scheer of Norfolk said that the outcome had disheartened her.
However, Governor Ricketts said the current laws make him feel safe in his office. Gov. Ricketts is also a legal firearm owner. He said that he was open to legislators making their own firearms demands and restrictions for their legislative meetings, but ruled out making any policy changes towards open carry within the state buildings.
Nebraska allows open carry except at schools or in any venue hosting school-sponsored activities. Premises owners can also prohibit weapons by displaying “gun-free zone” signs. However, the Nebraska firearms policy prohibit concealed carry within the Capitol buildings. The support of the governor was a significant boost to the gun rights in the state after they have come under persistent attacks by Democrats who are hellbent on gun control.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing universal background checks in our state, and if left unchecked, it will not be long until we see bills like this getting traction in Austin. Texas is embarrassingly ranked 29th for gun rights, and with the help of the political elites in Austin, we will surely rank among New York, California, and Illinois if left to their own devices. Please join our fight today, and help us restore Texas' place as the standard for the U.S.
Join LSGR - https://www.lsgr.live/join
Sign our petition - https://www.lsgr.live/petition
Send a postcard to Dan Patrick - https://www.lsgr.live/store/Postcard-to-Lt-Gov-Patrick-p158378407
.png)