Concealed Carry: Plainfield Reaction

Gun-rights advocates scored a victory Tuesday when a federal appeals court struck down a state ban on carrying concealed weapons, calling it unconstitutional.

Illinois is the only state to impose an outright ban on concealed carry.

READ: COURT STRIKES DOWN ILLINOIS CONCEALED CARRY BAN

"A right to bear arms thus implies a right to carry a loaded gun outside the home," Richard A. Posner of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in the majority opinion.

"Today's ruling is a victory for all law-abiding citizens in Illinois and gun owners throughout the country," NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre told the Huffington Post.

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It’s unclear what form concealed carry will take in Illinois, since lawmakers have 180 days to craft legislation that would regulate concealed weapons.

Four states — Alaska, Arizona, Vermont and Wyoming — allow what’s known as “Constitutional carry,” which means that gun owners don’t need a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Most other states are “shall-issue” jurisdictions, meaning that gun owners must obtain a permit to carry concealed. In “may issue” jurisdictions, local authorities have a degree of control over who can obtain a permit.

Local reaction

In a Plainfield Patch poll, readers voted more than 2-1 in support of the court's decision.

Residents were quick to weigh in; here’s what people had to say on Plainfield Patch’s Facebook page and in the comments section:

Deborah S.: About time!

Michael S.: It’s about damn time. Welcome to the rest of the country, IL.

David C.: We were the only state left in the nation without concealed carry. This is a good day, lets hope it holds.

Robert B.: It's about time I can defend myself. Criminals do not follow the law and all the gun laws in world will not stop criminals from having guns. I have a right to defend family and myself.

Plainfield Resident: In today's day & age, I believe this is NOT safe. Too many nut jobs out there. What is the purpose of carrying a gun, to scare people, intimidate people, hurt people? Really, why is it necessary?

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