Local news reports
In one month a law will take effect in Mississippi that has many law enforcement officers, business owners and regular people confused.
House Bill 2, a bill meant to clarify Mississippi’s concealed carry gun laws, defines the word concealed and in doing so says it shall not include weapons being carried upon a person in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster that is wholly or partially visible.
Gun rights advocates have taken to campaigning for and embracing a new open carry movement. One group in Corinth is hosting an open carry, empty chamber day at Corinth City Park on July 6 once the law goes into affect.
Many law enforcement officials have expressed concern that this will bring more weapons into play in their everyday duties, increasing their call volume and confusion at crime scenes.
Verona Police Chief Anthony Anderson said he is anticipating much discussion on how to enforce this law at the upcoming Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police Conference on June 16.
He said he is a supporter of Second Amendment rights but doesn’t look forward to walking into a gas station where four people have guns on their hips and trying to figure out who is trained to use the firearm and what their intentions are.
When the new law goes into effect, convicted felons will still be prohibited from carrying a firearm, people will still be prohibited from carrying a firearm into an area with posted signs banning firearms unless they have a state-issued enhanced conceal carry permit and anyone using a firearm in the commission of a crime or for intimidation can be held legally responsible.
To carry a firearm in public in Mississippi, a person must be at least 18 years of age.
