9/29/2008

Georgiacarry.org appeals Judge's decision to ban guns from Atlanta Airport

The story from the AP is here:

ATLANTA (AP) -- Gun rights groups are appealing a federal judge's decision to dismiss a lawsuit that sought to allow licensed gun owners to pack heat in parts of the world's busiest airport.

U.S. District Judge Marvin Shoob tossed the lawsuit on Friday, ruling that GeorgiaCarry.org failed to prove that a new Georgia law would allow weapons into unsecured areas of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

State Rep. Tim Bearden, a Republican who co-sponsored the law, said Monday the ruling came as "no surprise" and that the advocacy group is preparing an appeal.

City of Atlanta officials, meanwhile, celebrated the judge's ruling with a statement that said the airport "will continue to remain a safe, secure, gun-free environment, for its almost 90 million passengers a year."

The legal showdown erupted when a new state law that allows people with a gun permit to carry guns into restaurants, state parks and on public transportation took effect on July 1.

Atlanta officials quickly declared the airport a "gun-free zone" and warned that anyone carrying a gun there would be arrested. GeorgiaCarry.org then sued the city and the airport, claiming that the airport qualifies as public transportation under the new state law.

City attorneys argued in court that allowing some residents to carry guns at the airport could pose a threat to passengers. Even an accidental firearm discharge, they warned, could cause mayhem. . . .


Thanks to Tony Troglio for the link.

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