Gun owners rally at PA capitol

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 24 April 2007) – Pennsylvania gun owners rallied at the state Capitol Tuesday, and some of their champions in the legislature introduced new proposals to strengthen Second Amendment rights.

One advocate – Kim Stofler with Firearm Owners Against Crime – listed many of the groups that oppose gun control and that brought people to the Capitol for the event.

But he stressed this wasn’t about the organizations.

"This is about our freedoms. This is about what happened 232 years ago. That was when General Gage sent 700 men to Lexington and Concord to seize American firearms. Sadly, in this august place of the people, we have some legislators who have considered that option again," Stofler said.

As for the legislation – Republican Daryl Metcalfe proposes allowing someone who can demonstrate that he or she is in imminent danger to secure a temporary emergency license to carry a gun.

Republican Russ Fairchild wants to clarify conditions under which guns may be carried in state parks.

Most lawmakers at the rally were Republicans, but there were a few Democrats.