Cagle remarks on state gun law

Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle says he’s not for loosening the state’s gun law this year. Cagle signaled yesterday, he doesn’t want a repeat of last year’s heated gun battle that put Georgia in the cross-hairs of the National Rifle Association.

A state Senate study committee has been looking into expanding the gun law to allow Georgians to carry concealed weapons into churches and university campuses.

Last year, lawmakers approved a concealed carry law that stretched to state parks, restaurants serving alcohol and on public transit. The law spurred a legal battle at Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport after gun rights advocates argued the airport qualified as public transportation.

Cagle: 'No Appetitie' For New Gun Bill

Michael Knighton of Phenix City, Ala., fires his Ruger pistol at an indoor firing range at Shooters Columbus gun shop in Columbus, Ga. The gun emits a muzzle flash of light as the bullet leaves the barrel. (File photo/Dave Bender)

Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle says he doesn't like the idea of loosening the state's concealed weapons laws to allow guns in more public places.

Cagle told reporters today he has "no appetite" for a plan to expand where people with concealed weapons permits may bring a gun, including churches and college campuses. A state senate committee is looking at the issue. Last session, lawmakers approved a bill that permits concealed weapons in state parks, restaurants that serve alcohol and on public transportation.

Cagle, who presides over the state Senate, said state lawmakers "dealt with this issue last year and I think people should be content with where we are."

Last session, lawmakers approved a House Bill 89 that permits concealed weapons in state parks, restaurants that serve alcohol and on public transportation.

(AP)

Click here for more GPB News coverage about HB 89.

Governor signs gun bill

Governor Sonny Perdue on Wednesday signed legislation that would allow concealed weapons onto public transportation, into parks and some restaurants. Perdue waited until the final day to sign the controversial legislation into law.

The measure is applauded by gun owners who say they need weapons to protect themselves on public transportation, like MARTA in Atlanta. They also want to take their weapons into restaurants.

The Georgia Restaurant Association and Atlanta city officials, including Mayor Shirley Franklin, had urged the governor to veto the bill. They fear guns in places with a lot of people could spell trouble.

The National Rifle Association had lobbied for the legislation for two years. The new law applies to about 300-thousand Georgians who have proper permits.

Atlanta Rapper Arrested at Airport on Weapon Charge

Cleveland police say an Atlanta-based rap music performer who attempted to take a loaded gun onto a Delta Air Lines flight was charged with carrying a concealed weapon.

Twenty-seven-year-old Jasiel Robinson, who performs as Yung Joc, was arrested about 6:20 a-m yesterday at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport before boarding.

Police say they found a semiautomatic handgun and ammunition in Robinson's carry-on bag, and he told them he did not know the weapon was there.

Robinson was attempting to go through a standard security checkpoint when he was stopped and questioned, then arrested without incident.

Robinson was freed today on bond after he was formally charged. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday. His attorney says Yung Joc maintains his innocence.

Yung Joc was one of the biggest hip-hop stars in 2006, selling one million records off his debut album "New Joc City," behind the Grammy-nominated song "It's Goin' Down." His follow-up album "Hustlenomics" was released in August.

(The Associated Press)