As you’ve no doubt seen in the news, many parts of the country are experiencing a push to ban firearms from government buildings. A significant portion of this new “outrage” is media-driven opportunism by gun control advocates. To help sort the legal facts from fiction, let’s take a look at how the law plays a role in securing your rights as a law-abiding gun owner.
The Second Amendment ensures the rights of all Americans to keep and bear arms. But lawmakers have differing opinions on how that applies to the North Carolina Capitol building and other public lands.
Here’s what you need to know about the past, the present, and the future of legally carrying a firearm on the grounds of our state buildings and other government properties.
Did the Events in Our Nation’s Capitol on January 6 Spark Change in North Carolina?
It is illegal for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any deadly weapon not used solely for instructional or officially sanctioned ceremonial purposes in or on the grounds of the State Capitol Building, the Executive Mansion, and the Western Residence of the Governor, as well as any building used for court purposes by the General Court of Justice. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.4.
It is also illegal for any person participating in, affiliated with, or present as a spectator at any parade, picket line or demonstration upon any private health care facility or upon any public place owned or under the control of the State or any of its political subdivisions to willfully or intentionally possess or have immediate access to any dangerous weapon. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-277.2.
Should You Be on Alert for Changes?
It seems very unlikely that in light of the events of January 6 that either of these laws will be repealed or modified in any way. It also seems unlikely that any further restrictions will be enacted. However, concerned gun owners should remain vigilant about potential gun legislation. Stay informed by following local news updates and come back here for future articles on these issues.
For any questions about carrying in and around government buildings, contact U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney.
The information provided in this publication is intended to provide general information to individuals and is not legal advice. The information included in this publication may not be quoted or referred to in any other publication without the prior written consent of U.S. LawShield, to be given or withheld at our discretion. The information is not a substitute for, and does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. We strive to ensure the information included in this publication is accurate and current, however, no claim is made to the accuracy of the information and we are not responsible for any consequences that may result from the use of information in this publication. The use of this publication does not create an attorney-client relationship between U.S. LawShield, any independent program attorney, and any individual.
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