Dem produces gun on state house floor to protest bill

By Chris Eger

Mississippi state Rep. Charles Young Jr., a Meridian Democrat, produced his handgun on the House floor to protest legislation on carry permits (Photo: Rep. Robert Foster)
A Mississippi lawmaker held up his handgun and concealed carry permit Thursday after a controversial bill to strengthen gun carry rights in the state advanced in the House.
Rep. Charles Young Jr., D-Meridian, displayed first his permit and then his unloaded FN pistol at the speaking podium while stumping to halt a bill the body had overwhelmingly approved Wednesday, The Jackson Clarion-Ledger reported. Young debated with House Speaker Philip Gunn, then requested the unarmed sergeant-at-arms to escort him away without further incident.
Young told reporters afterward he was “very much against” guns in the state Capitol or schools and brought the gun as a protest against HB 1083, which cleared the body in an easy 80-29 vote earlier in the week. The measure tweaks the laws concerning Mississippi’s enhanced carry permit by setting up a process for carriers to challenge state agencies, such as at the Capitol or public university campuses, that have barred permit holders.
While the laws of the Magnolia State allow for permitless carry, the Mississippi State Highway Patrol continues to issue carry permits. Permit

Source: Guns.com