Stockton Delays Decision on Allowing Residents to Carry Weapons
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STOCKTON — After more than five hours of emotional debate, the City Council voted to delay until Monday a decision on whether to allow residents of this San Joaquin Valley city to carry concealed weapons.
Gun enthusiasts and the National Rifle Assn. are backing a measure that would relax rules for granting concealed-weapon permits and require the Stockton police chief to issue a permit to any “good citizen.” Supporters say arming the citizenry would allow residents to defend themselves and make the city a safer place.
Opponents argue that allowing thousands of people to carry concealed weapons would create a vigilante atmosphere, lead to an increase in accidental shootings and result in deadlier domestic violence.
The City Council heard testimony from dozens of people on both sides of the issue Monday night before postponing a vote for one week.
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