D.C. Concealed Gun Bill Defeated

An amendment concerning the District's concealed weapons law has been shot down. The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday defeated the effort, which would have allowed some people visiting D.C. to carry concealed weapons in the city. 

D.C.'s strict gun laws continuously rile lawmakers from states with what critics say are loose gun laws. This latest attempt to change the District’s firearms restrictions would have allowed people with concealed weapons permits in other states to conceal a loaded gun while out and about on city streets. 

Rep. Louis Gomert (R-Texas) sponsored the effort, arguing it’s a Second Amendment issue. In a statement, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray called the legislation a blatant attack on the autonomy of District residents. His sentiment was echoed by Northern Virginia Democrat Gerry Connolly. 

"I think Louis Gomert should stick to his business in Texas, and shouldn't be telling the people of the District of Columbia what they can or cannot do or should or should not do," says Connolly.

The amendment was soundly defeated in the committee, with only three lawmakers supporting it and 24 members helping reject it.