Concealed carry gun laws become more widespread in US

World Today

On May 20 , members of the National Rifle Association will gather for their annual convention. With over five million members, the NRA is a powerful advocate for the right to bear arms, including the right to carry a weapon that’s concealed on your body.

It’s known as concealed carry and is more widespread than ever in America.

CCTV’s Hendrik Sybrandy reports on the controversy taking place in Colorado.

Carrying weapons under your clothing has become a common practice for some in the U.S.

“That’s a trend that’s been going on nationally since the 1980’s and now all but a handful of states have a law like Colorado,” gun rights supporter David Kopel of the Independence Institute said.

Getting a concealed carry permit is fairly straightforward in Colorado. You must pass a background check, meet certain criteria and do safety training. Police can veto applicants they deem unsuitable.

“It’s good for anybody to be able to lawfully protect themselves.”

Gun rights supporter David Kopel argues concealed weapons deter criminals because they don’t know if potential victims are armed or not.

But gun control advocate Eileen McCarron said you don’t need firearms to be safe on the streets of U.S. cities. But she admits the gun rights side has won its share of arguments lately.

“Huge move across the country and they have it pretty much everywhere so now they have new terrain they want to claim,” McCarron said.

A recent online petition demanding that guns be allowed inside this summer’s Republican political convention in the state of Ohio drew over 50,000 signatures. Authorities quashed the move, which may have been a hoax.