Brady Campaign: "Presidential protesters need to leave their firearms at home - no exceptions"

http://www.bradycampaign.org/media/release.php?release=1173

Gun Responsibility:
Leave Loaded Firearms At Home
When Attending Presidential Events

For Immediate Release:
08-17-2009

Contact Communications:
(202) 898-0792 Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

Washington, DC – Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, released the following statement on reports that a man was carrying what appeared to be a loaded assault rifle and a sidearm to President Obama's speech in Phoenix, Arizona today:

"Bringing loaded firearms to any Presidential event endangers all in attendance. Even though our weak national and state gun laws may allow this dangerous behavior, we should use a little common sense.

"Individuals carrying loaded weapons at these events require constant attention from police and Secret Service officers, thus stretching their protective efforts even thinner. The possibility that these weapons might be grabbed or stolen or accidentally mishandled increases the risks of serious injury or death to all in attendance.

"The National Rifle Association and other 'gun rights' groups need to send a message about 'gun responsibilities' to their members and all gun owners. Loaded weapons at political forums endanger all involved, distract law enforcement, and end up stifling debate. Presidential protesters need to leave their firearms at home - no exceptions."

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There have been multiple reported incidents of guns being brought to town halls this month:

* Gun brought to town hall in Memphis, Tennessee: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obama-to-enter-town-hall-fray-2009-08-11.html;

* Gun dropped at town hall in Sierra Vista, Arizona: http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/printDS/304149;

* Gun carried openly to President Obama's town hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/11/protester-with-gun-found_n_256614.html;

* Handgun found concealed in the car of an attendee of President Obama's town hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/08/more-details-emerge-on-the-concealed-gun-arrest-in-new-hampshire.php;

* AR-15 military-style assault weapon and handgun brought to President Obama's speech today in Phoenix, Arizona: http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2009/08/17/20090817obama-scene.html.

2. Like most rights, the Second Amendment right is not unlimited. It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose: For example, concealed weapons prohibitions have been upheld under the Amendment or state analogues. The Court’s opinion should not be taken to cast doubt on longstanding prohibitions on the possession of firearms by felons and the mentally ill, or laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places such as schools and government buildings, or laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms. Miller’s holding that the sorts of weapons protected are those “in common use at the time” finds support in the historical tradition of prohibiting the carrying of dangerous and unusual weapons.