As the state’s first permits to carry concealed firearms began arriving in the mail this week, Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy was warning of potentially deadly consequences from having more guns on the streets….McCarthy, who has been one of the most vocal critics of the law allowing Illinois residents to carry concealed firearms in public, warned there will be confrontations that could escalate into a deadly shooting – similar to January, when a retired police officer shot and killed a man who had been using his cell phones during the previews at a movie theater; or when a Florida man shot four teens – killing one – during an argument over loud rap music in 2012….
He said deadly shootings involving people supposedly acting in self-defense will be seen in Illinois now that residents can carry guns in public….
“Stand by and watch what happens. The answer to gun violence is not more guns,” McCarthy said.
The superintendent also expressed concern for officers who now will be conducting traffic stops without knowing whether the driver is packing heat – legally or illegally. McCarthy said it’s the responsibility of concealed carry license holders to immediately inform police officers if they’re armed when they’re pulled over for a traffic violation.
“When these men and women pull over a car, think about how dangerous it is for them to be in a split-second moment to figure out if it’s a legal or illegal firearm. Either way, it puts them in danger,” he said.
Full story here at cbslocal.com.
