Gun activists descend on capitol to make positions known

SPRINGFIELD -- Gun activists have made known to the Illinois General Assembly which gun bills they favor and which ones they oppose.

Thousands of activists showed up at the state capitol Tuesday asking lawmakers to resist putting more restrictions on gun ownership. They also called for laws that would allow private citizens to carry concealed weapons.

Illinois State Police spokesman Scott Compton said his department has opposed concealed-carry proposals in the past because training levels required for a private citizen to use a weapon wouldn't near the training officers get.

Legislation pending in the General Assembly includes proposals for more licensing requirements and a ban on assault weapons. At direct odds with those gun control proposals are lawmakers who represent farmers and hunters who use guns regularly.