Gun rally next week in Cd'A
COEUR d'ALENE — The Idaho Second Amendment Alliance is planning to hold a Constitutional Carry gun rally at City Park next week.
The ISAA is promoting legislation that would legalize carrying a concealed weapon without having to obtain a permit. Greg Pruett, who organized the rally for ISAA, said the organization is currently circulating a petition to garner thousands of signatures, and plans to present it to lawmakers when the next legislative session begins in January 2016.
The alliance is holding five rallies across Idaho this fall, commencing in Coeur d'Alene on Oct. 3 in the band shell at City Park starting at 5 p.m.
"I live in the Treasure Valley area, so most of our event have been held down here in Boise at the Capitol," Pruett said. "We wanted to hold some rallies up there and a couple more down here."
"Constitutional Carry is generally defined by carrying of firearms, concealed or not, that is not restricted by law. Our intent for Idaho will make it legal for law-abiding citizens to carry a handgun, firearm, or other weapon concealed or open without an applicable permit or license," a press release issued by Pruett explained. "The ISAA’s main goal is to align Idaho laws with the true meaning of the Second Amendment. Criminals do not obey laws or obtain permits. Law abiding citizens should not be burdened with an unnecessary permitting process which has no effect on criminal activity.”
The alliance wants to dispel the notion that reducing gun regulations will result in increased violent crimes.
"This question comes up every time a restriction is removed from law-abiding gun owners, but facts show it is unfounded," Pruett said in the release. "Criminals, by definition, do not obey the law, so passing (Constitutional Carry) will not affect them," The release said. "However, criminals are deterred by armed citizens that can defend themselves."
Speakers for the event include Idaho State Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard; and Washington state Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane Valley. Pruett said he will also speak at the event.
"The Bonner County sheriff supports concealed carry, but he cannot make it, so he is sending someone to read a statement from him," Pruett said.
The ISAA Facebook invitation for the Coeur d'Alene event already has more 275 people planning to attend the rally. On that page, organizers give some advice to those planning to attend.
"People always ask if they should carry and what they should carry. That is up to you! They are your firearms. You decide," the Facebook post stated. "As a precaution we generally like people who are carrying long guns to not have a round chambered but that is just our recommendation."
The group also recommends that attendees dress up in their Sunday best.
"Again, just a recommendation. The media is always going to make us look like hillbilly gun-toting rednecks. Hard to do that if you are wearing a suit and tie," the post stated.
Pruett said there are always those people who want to dress in camouflage gear to attend the rallies, but he said the vast majority of attendees are just ordinary folks.