Open carrying of firearms is now permitted in Kentucky - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

New Kentucky law allows open carry of guns

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Posted by Brian Wiechert - bio | email
KENTUCKY (FOX19) -

Open carrying of firearms is now permitted in Kentucky.

The law allows for unconcealed weapons to be carried into city-owned facilities like libraries, parks, city hall and city council chambers.

"I believe that its good," said Covington resident Robert Crow. "I believe that people should have the right to carry to protect themselves."

A bill passed the state House and Senate last spring  and Gov. Steve Beshear signed it into law in April.  State lawmakers say local governments cannot regulate firearms; therefore, any ordinance banning them is illegal.

"No matter what the legislative decision is in this matter our officers are going to be focused on the safety of the individuals who are legally carrying those firearms," said Covington Police Chief, Michael "Spike" Jones. "Law abiding citizens that carry them are not the individuals that we have (an) issue with," said Jones.

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