Bill Allowing More Permits for Concealed Guns Is Blasted
Top Los Angeles law enforcement officials Wednesday blasted pending state legislation aimed at expanding the availability of concealed weapon permits for most adults.
Los Angeles Police Chief Willie L. Williams, Sheriff Sherman Block, Dist. Atty. Gil Garcetti, city and state leaders and gun control advocates said that allowing more firearms on the streets would lead to more violent crime, not less.
Officials predicted that if the bill, sponsored by Assemblyman William J. (Pete) Knight (R-Palmdale), becomes law, 1.5 million new permits would be issued statewide, with 500,000 in Los Angeles County. It awaits a vote by the full Assembly.
Under the legislation, a resident who can demonstrate competence with a gun and has not been convicted of a serious crime, belonged to a street gang or committed domestic violence could obtain a permit after a 15-day waiting period.
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