Lawmakers: Don’t let shooting engulf gun talk
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers say it’s inevitable that Friday’s school shooting in Connecticut will have an impact on the concealed-carry gun law they must write. But several caution against allowing the tragedy to consume the debate.
The massacre that left 28 dead came just days after a federal appeals court ordered Illinois to lift its ban on residents carrying concealed weapons.
Rep. Brandon Phelps sponsored a narrowly defeated concealed-carry bill last year. The Harrisburg Democrat says the Connecticut tragedy shows no law can keep all guns away from evildoers. He says a sensible conceal-and-carry law is the state’s best option.
Naperville Republican Rep. Darlene Senger says the disaster will be part of the concealed-carry talks but it is important legislators don’t overreach with legislation that tries to cover every possible scenario.