Friday, July 06, 2007

Eek! A Gun!!!

This story is all over the news today:
  • Channel 2 - A tourist was arrested today after trying to carry a loaded gun to the top of the Sears Tower. The woman, who lives in Tennessee, was stopped by security after she tried to pass through metal detectors. Security personel [sic] found a .38 caliber revolver in her purse.
  • Channel 5 - Security stopped the 56-year-old woman as she went through a metal detector with a .38-caliber revolver in her purse, said Chicago police spokeswoman Monique Bond.
  • Channel 7 - A tourist from Tennessee is under arrest after she tried to enter the Sears Tower with a loaded revolver. The 56-year-old woman wanted to visit the Skydeck, but security stopped her when she went through a metal detector with a 38-caliber revolver in her purse.
And every story has some variation on this statement:
  • Tennessee allows its citizens to carry a handgun as long as they have a permit, and the woman, who was traveling with her husband, was unaware that she wasn't allowed to carry a handgun in the state of Illinois
It's not just a permit - it's an actual training course and live fire qualification to be allowed to carry in Tennessee. In fact, in something like 40 of 50 states, citizens are allowed to carry firearms. Not only that, Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with 29 other states that recognize each other's permits. Illinois isn't one of them however.

We realize that ignorance of the law isn't an excuse. But the efforts to charge this 56 year old woman who actually qualified with her weapon are shameful at the very least. Furthermore, as something like 40 of the 50 states have some sort of procedure to allow their citizens to carry firearms, we can only imagine that tens of millions of tourist dollars are being or will be lost in the future by killing the desire of a vast majority of people to visit Illinois and Chicago.

We don't expect everyone reading to agree with our position. But the vast majority of studies prove that guns in the hands of trained and licensed citizens do not end up killing people, do not end up being used in crimes and do not end up in accidental shootings. Sometimes they even end up saving lives where the police response is minutes or tens of minutes away. We know that many citizens of the "big city" look down on the "small town rubes" who like to be responsible for their own safety. And many small towners look with more than a little apprehension at the dangers of the big city. Let this woman go home, mail her the gun, and let her tell all her friends that Chicago isn't really a place they ought to visit. As more and more states allow some form of concealed or open carry, states like Illinois will notice a drop off of tourist dollars.

Labels:

47 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Locker her up! We need to have citizens unarmed. Someone probably told her there were squirrels up there.

7/06/2007 12:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is exactly why there is a need for the US Congress to pass a national reciprocity law.

Rep. John Hostettler (R-IN) has introcuded a national reciprocity bill that protects the right of citizens to carry their firearms into other states.

Rep. Hostettler's bill, known as the Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act, is just what America needs. It would allow law-abiding citizens who can legally carry in their home state to carry all across the country

I would like to see it added as an endorsement to all Drivers License or State I.D. Cards.

And for states that don't want to participate (like Illinois undoubtedly) add a provision that denys their federal highway funds. Maybe that will get their attention.

7/06/2007 12:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If only Tennesseans Channon CHRISTIAN and Christopher NEWSOM were armed in Knoxville that fateful January night.

REST IN PEACE.

7/06/2007 02:02:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What needs to happen is that victims of gun violence need to sue the City of Chicago, the mayor and the police department for violation of the victims right to bear arms and the police departments inability to adequately protect said victim while in fact preventing them from self defense in a city with one of the highest rates of gun violence in the world. Sounds like grounds for a class action suit to me.

7/06/2007 02:17:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Victims of violent crimes in this city should sue at every opportunity, especially in cases where the offender is a repeat predator who has been inexcusably released from prison after numerous violent convictions. Couple that with those offenders that are illegal aliens previously convicted then released without being deported allowed once again to prey upon the innocent, unarmed public, and the city and police department preventing these victims from protecting themselves. The victims and their families need to come together in force and take legal and political action against this Sanctuary City and its criminal corrupt Mayor!

7/06/2007 02:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

cmon cook co asa's--prosecute her to the fullest extent--just keep on letting pookie who gets caught with another gun while on parole for uuw plead to probation

7/06/2007 02:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would have to agree with you on this one, SCC. Cut this visitor some slack, FedEx the weapon to her home, and be done with it. There was no intent to break the law (even though SHE should have checked it out before coming here), AND the woman is damn near 60 yoa.
As far as this woman "qualifying" with her gun in her home state?
Yeah, ok. Like some of the women (and men) I've seen here make their yearly "qualifications."

7/06/2007 06:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I believe in the right to carry, but, really now, don't you think if you were responsible you would check the gun laws of where you are going? I know I would. If you don't as you said scc, ignorance isn't an excuse so throw the book at her, breaking the law is breaking the law, and bringing in a weapon to the Sears Tower in a post 9/11 age? How stupid is she?

7/06/2007 08:14:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Its the law. We need no hillbillies walking into town with guns. In fact for those retired guys to carry they should have to pass a power test every year. To carry a gun you should be fit. Old geezer retired guys with guns? Some gangbanger could just walk up and bitch slap him and take the gun.

7/06/2007 08:29:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What ever you do keep bloging about this nonsense and ignore the contract issues.
Thanks, Da Mare

7/06/2007 08:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There is absolutely no reason to persue any charges here, this woman is only guilty of poor judgement or of being ignorant of our draconian laws.This woman is actually a citizen of the United States of America who enjoys and exercizes her rights to the fullest while people from Illinois, esp. chicago are serfs under a king.I hope the federal law passes and states are forced to honor all ccw permits regardless of homerule laws.

7/06/2007 09:31:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

2nd Amendment Rights supercedes a b.s. city ordinance. The ordinance is unconstitutional. Everyone should sue. yeah...

7/06/2007 09:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If only Tennesseans Channon CHRISTIAN and Christopher NEWSOM were armed in Knoxville that fateful January night.

REST IN PEACE.

7/06/2007 09:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Yeah, ok. Like some of the women (and men) I've seen here make their yearly "qualifications."

7/06/2007 06:46:00 AM "

The vast majority of them happen to wear white Shirts. YEAH THAT'S CORRECT WORLD, CPD SUPERVISORS UNABLE TO QUALIFY WITH THEIR PRESCRIBED FIREARM. BUT ODDLY ENOUGH NO DISCIPLINARY ACTION. ALL YOU BITCHES THAT WHINE ABOUT AIRING DIRTY LAUNDRY WELL YOU CAN KISS MY ASS!!

7/06/2007 10:21:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i think its ignorant to think that your kentucky law applies in illinois let alone chicago, let alone the sears tower. im sure part of her "course" stated that the permit is only allowed in the state, if not city, of issuance. hick.

7/06/2007 10:38:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

cut her a break, and cut the next person who thinks its okay to carry a weapon into a tourist location in a major city a break also. if theyre qualified at least children should be spared.

7/06/2007 10:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with SCC. They are trying to charge her with the Felony aren't they? It will probably end up being like everything else around here she will be charged to the fullist while bubba walks with a Misdemeanor even though he is a convicted felon.

7/06/2007 11:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The story also says that she was charged with UUW, NO FOID, & FAILURE TO REGISTER. Well what dum ass clout W/C in 001 approved that one. 1st she is not an Illinois resident no FOID, 2. she does not live in Shitcago so why the hell would she register the weapon in Shitcago. Explain the fact that she could not carry her weapon here because we have pussy laws here and let her lock it up in her trunk. " thats old school" but this department has become a joke we only seem to pick on the weak and easy marks , sounds like the gang bangers to me. Glad I am going to retire soon mabe I'll move to Tenn.

7/06/2007 11:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

2nd Amendment Bill of Rights

"A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."


To bear means to have on ones person folks.Illinois is in violation of law,the law of the land.

7/06/2007 12:00:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Only Illinois and Wisconsin have NO concealed carry laws.Most states have Shall issue.

7/06/2007 12:01:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Put my name last on her arrest report.

7/06/2007 12:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

She screwed up. No intent. No harm.

Fine her $100 and send her home.

The State's attorney needs to remove his head from his ass and move on to something more important.

Meanwhile on the West Side some banger is carrying a loaded AK-47.

"Cranius Rectumus"

7/06/2007 01:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Victims of violent crimes in this city should sue at every opportunity, especially in cases where the offender is a repeat predator who has been inexcusably released from prison after numerous violent convictions. Couple that with those offenders that are illegal aliens previously convicted then released without being deported allowed once again to prey upon the innocent, unarmed public, and the city and police department preventing these victims from protecting themselves. The victims and their families need to come together in force and take legal and political action against this Sanctuary City and its criminal corrupt Mayor!

7/06/2007 02:28:00 AM
Anonymous said...

cmon cook co asa's--prosecute her to the fullest extent--just keep on letting pookie who gets caught with another gun while on parole for uuw plead to probation

7/06/2007 02:50:00 AM


___________________________________



You folks hit the nail right on the head!

7/06/2007 01:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just have to know, did they approve felony charges on this one???

7/06/2007 03:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yeah don't charge the 15 year rat (with a felony) in the Stolen Lexus because there were keys and he 'couldn't have known' it was stolen. Luckily I always catch the driver and they seems always to make a statement. Inventory the weapon and have them jump through a few hoops to get it back, but come on...

7/06/2007 04:47:00 PM  
Blogger It's Not All Real said...

I'm about as pro second amendment as a person can be. But shame on her for not doing her homework before she left home. This isn't like forgetting your insurance card in your car, this is serious shit. She knew it, and should have done her homework.

If there is justice though, she'll get a slap and lose her pistol.

On the other side of the coin, Illinois should join the rest of the country and pass concealed carry. But don't hold your breath, not while the communists have control of the governor's mansion (ooops, I forgot, he doens't live there) and Chicago city hall.

7/06/2007 05:14:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Now I'm going to get me a forty caliber GLOCK!

7/06/2007 05:34:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It sure took the CPD long enough. Other big-city depts. have been using Glocks for more than a decade.

7/06/2007 05:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hate to play to old timer card, but this makes me laugh.
I went on the job in 1967 (yes there was a CPD at that time). You know that little problem on the West side, oh yea I can never forget Madison & Western and of course the Convention of 68. Did 4 years and finished my degree and went into private industry. 10 years later had my own business. Now living the dream in Colorado.(retired).
I just crack up when I hear little Richie talking about guns. When I was at the P.A. the first week an instructor said if any of you people belong to the NRA or any of those "wacko" groups you better keep it to yourself because the Comm. & the 5th floor hates all those gun nuts. Just think after 40 years Chicago's gun laws have done away with gun crimes. You are all living in peace and good will, safe in your beds. Keep of the BS, Richie the people love it.

Yea. Living the dream and "packing" if I want. Oh yea! Check out the Colorado "Make my day law"
"Stay safe out there."

7/06/2007 05:51:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I also like all the drama in Iowa.

All the newspapers and media are screaming with sensational headlines, such as [man with a weapon arrested by secret service agents after being observed lurking nearby Sen. Obama at an Iowa campaign stop!] or some such similar non-sense.

All the headlines make it sound like some KKK member or CRAZY was looking to assasinate Obama.

I finally read about it on a news blog. It was some low class guy with his wife who was there from out of state to sell Obama T-shirts. (Just a guy trying to make a buck) He was observed walking around the campaign stop because he was curious..just like everyone else. (I mean Obama is being elevated to rock star status by the media)

The guy goes back to his car and is later pulled over for traffic offense. Has a problem with his license (expired/revoke/suspended or something similar)A custodial search finds a knife under the seat.OOOOOOOOOOhhhhh!

A case of making a mountain out of a mole hill!

Obama your staff should thank the media for keeping an irrelivent b.s.(practically, non-crime) in the media for days to give you free publicity and misleading the public to believe that you were somehow endangered. But thanks to the Secret Service you will become the best, most loved, President since John Kennedy!

YAWN.......

7/06/2007 07:35:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Also maybe the CPD or FEDS can charge the women tourist with an attempt on Sen. Obama and SELL IT TO THE MEDIA! Think of the publicity!

YAWN!

7/06/2007 07:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, good fucking pinch. I wonder if 001 foot took the pinch. Like 06646 said let her Fed Ex the gun home and give her a play.

7/06/2007 09:03:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THANK G-D A T-3 TRAFFIC UNIT FOOL DIDN'T GET STOPPED BY THIS TOURIST SEEKING DIRECTIONS, CONDUCT ONE OF THEIR TYPICAL BULLSHIT SEARCHES AND BLOW HER OUT OF HER SUPPORT HOSE, PROBABLY CLAIMING SHE DREW DOWN ON HIM... STICK WITH THE FOOTBALL - MORE MUSCLE THAN BRAIN...

7/06/2007 09:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chairman daly would never allow his subjects to carry firearms.

7/06/2007 09:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As of 6pm news, she's released and on her way home.
Yea, she screwed up, but Im glad all she got was a slap on the hand.

To 10:38am: I'll take those "hicks"
over some northshore liberal as a neighbor or "backup" anyday.
They made great Soldiers and friends......................

JOIN THE NRA!!

7/06/2007 09:39:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

Its the law. We need no hillbillies walking into town with guns. In fact for those retired guys to carry they should have to pass a power test every year. To carry a gun you should be fit. Old geezer retired guys with guns? Some gangbanger could just walk up and bitch slap him and take the gun.

7/06/2007 08:29:00 AM

You are a stroke!

7/06/2007 10:15:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

At least "Hillbillies" can hit what they are aiming at, can't say that about gd's or vice lords(or Exempts).And yes they are great soldiers.

7/07/2007 12:03:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dammit Obama, give me back my fence....your pal Tony Rezko

7/07/2007 02:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If only Tennesseans Channon CHRISTIAN and Christopher NEWSOM were armed in Knoxville that fateful January night.

REST IN PEACE.

7/07/2007 11:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks Second City Cop, there is at least one Chicago disarmed law-abiding resident that finds these chains chafing.

7/07/2007 07:32:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for voicing affirmation of the common citizen's right (and competence) to carry, which is what the framer's of the constitution intended. Nice to hear this from an "insider". I love my home in Illinois and Chicago is one of my favorite places to visit, but the increasingly restrictive gun laws here are pushing me to want to leave.

Thanks again,
Downstater

7/07/2007 11:07:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Has this lady been out of the country for the last 6 years? Walking onto the observation deck of the Sears Tower with a loaded handgun? Through a metal detector? And she thought it was OK? This isn't about the right to carry firearms, it's about sending her to the looney bin for a few weeks.

7/08/2007 01:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can we carry in other states yet? I know there was talk about a law. Anybody know???

7/09/2007 07:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Can we carry in other states yet? I know there was talk about a law. Anybody know???

7/09/2007 07:36:00 AM

Google HR 218,your a little behind.

7/09/2007 10:26:00 AM  
Blogger Vinnie said...

Wow, 0ver 40 comments about an innocent person with a gun doing nothing wrong. Chicago must be a wonderful crime free city. If there is this much fuss about a law abiding citizen with a gun the bad guys must never have them.

7/09/2007 03:39:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If they have a FOID (or the equivilent for their state) then NO ARREST.

Brothers, it is not that hard to have citizens place the weapon in the trunk, and place the ammo separate from the weapon.

If you need the head that bad, maybe you are not mature enough to be a cop.

7/10/2007 01:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"sir donkey, esq said...
If they have a FOID (or the equivilent for their state) then NO ARREST.
7/10/2007 01:39:00 AM"

There ISN'T any "equivalent" in Ohio, nor in most other states.

Of course most OTHER states have legal, shall-issue CCW.

7/10/2007 09:58:00 AM  

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