Ind. cities facing changes in state gun laws

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Police and a gun-rights expert say a man who caused a commotion by carrying a holstered handgun on his hip at Evansville's zoo was within his rights under Indiana law, which now largely prohibits local governments from limiting gun possession.

An Evansville police spokeswoman says staffers at Mesker Park Zoo were correct to notify the department, even though the man's actions weren't against the law.

A police report says the man “started causing a scene” when officers asked him to conceal the weapon and that officers escorted him out because he was frightening other zoo visitors.

Attorney Bryan Lee Ciyou has written a book on Indiana firearms law. He tells the Evansville Courier & Press that licensed gun owners should use prudence when deciding whether to conceal their weapons.