Firearm ‘Safety’ Advocate Wants Gun-Free Concealed Carry Class in Chicago Suburb

A gun “safety” advocate in Elmhurst, Illinois, wants assurances that concealed classes being held in her town will not involve firearms.

The advocate — Kirsten Powers — spoke to the Elmhurst city council, seeking assurances that those taking the course would not be bringing firearms with them.

NRATV’s Cam Edwards tweeted:

"Gun safety advocates" upset over concealed carry classes in one Illinois town. #2A #NRA #gunsense https://t.co/64rA8Mouw3

— Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) September 7, 2017

According to the Chicago Tribune, Powers said people who previously attended the concealed carry class said they were “required to bring a firearm” and were “required to shoot on the last day of class.” But Elmhurst police chief Michael Ruth made clear that the truth was otherwise — the classes in Elmhurst will be gun-free and the shooting portion, which is required, will be conducted “at a firing range outside the city.”

The classes are held Saturday and Sunday in the Knights of Columbus Hall at 537 S. York Street in Elmhurst. Following the Sunday class, attendees can drive to the range and satisfy the shooting requirements. Ruth said those attending the shooting portion must have a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card, and their weapons must be “broken down and not easily accessible from within the vehicle” during transport.

The Deerfield Patch reports that Illinois “[requires] 16 hours of training” for a concealed carry permit. And Illinois does not recognize concealed carry licenses from any other states.

AWR Hawkins is the Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and host of Bullets with AWR Hawkins, a Breitbart News podcast. He is also the political analyst for Armed American Radio. Follow him on Twitter: @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com.