St. Louis mayor calls open carry participants ‘extremists’

Open carry advocates gathered in St. Louis on Saturday to conduct a walk and help educate residents about recent changes in gun laws, but not everyone agrees the new legislation is a good thing.

Several dozen open carry supporters, some armed with long guns, some armed with handguns, but all properly holstered and slung, met at an area restaurant and marched to the Gateway Arch. Police were present, but did not get involved and no violence erupted.

Event organizer, Jeffry Smith, told KSDK that the goals of the walk were to educate others about and test the changes brought about by SB 656.

The bill, which was passed earlier this year, allowed residents with a concealed carry permit to openly carry firearms. In addition, the bill strengthened the right to keep and bear arms by prohibiting political subdivisions within the state to pass legislation that would prevent “the use of a firearm to defend property or persons.”

“The state of Missouri has, among the 50 states, the strongest constitutional amendment in regard to the right to keep and bear arms,” Smith said.

Richard Lofftus, who helped Smith organize the event, feels the pro-gun legislation will have a positive effect on the state.

“I believe there is a consistent reduction in crime as legal gun ownership goes up. The criminal element to crime and guns typically involves illegal gun ownership or illegal use,” Lofftus said, adding that criminals typically hide their firearms, not carrying them openly like the participants in the walk.

But not everyone agrees.

Protesters held signs up during the walk to express their discontent, and after the walk, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay voiced his concerns during a press conference.

“What you saw on the streets of St. Louis today, was like a scene out of a bad western,” Slay said. “This is a very bad law, as far as I’m concerned, and those who are with me today. I don’t even have to explain, I don’t think, how bad it is, how much anxiety and fear it will create, and the possibility that something could go very wrong.”

A few women representing Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America stood with Slay during the press conference.

Slay continued, “In rural areas, it might not be so bad. But in a densely populated city or a suburb, it is a disaster waiting to happen.”

Slay wants the law repealed and also believes that open carry is “sending a confusing message to our children.”

SB 656, which also allows trained teachers to carry firearms in schools, has seen anything but smooth sailing. The bill was approved by lawmakers with a vote from the house of 111-28 and 21-7 in the senate. However, the bill was vetoed by Gov. Jay Nixon, only to then be overridden again by lawmakers.

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Source: http://www.guns.com/2014/10/27/st-louis-mayor-calls-open-carry-participants-extremists/