TexasCHLforum.com

Today, from FW web site. I sent Mr. Root an e-mail regarding his wording about churches and hospitals, noting they came off the list of prohibited locations some 10 years ago ... Since he started the thing off on a rather positive note, I've not said anything (yet) about his last sentence.

Allow concealed guns anywhere, governor says
By JAY ROOT
Star-Telegram staff writer

AUSTINGov. Rick Perry, mulling ways to stop the kind of murderous rampages that recently left 33 dead on a college campus in Virginia, said Monday that there's one sure-fire solution he likes: Allow Texans to take their concealed handguns anywhere.

Period.

Perry said he opposes concealed-gun-toting restrictions at all -- in a hospital, a public school, a beer joint or even the local courthouse.

"The last time I checked, putting a sign up that says don't bring your weapons in here, someone who has ill intent on their mind -- they could care less," Perry told reporters. "I think it makes sense for Texans to be able to protect themselves from deranged individuals, whether they're in church or whether on a college campus or wherever."

As reporters began listing places where concealed-permit holders face restrictions, Perry cut off the questioning and made it clear that he meant anywhere at all.

Under existing law, secured airport areas, hospitals, courthouses, bars, churches and schools are among the places where weapons are or can be banned, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. People entering federal courts are routinely required to leave cellphones behind.

"Let me cover it right here," Perry said. "I think a person ought to be able to carry their weapons with them anywhere in this state if they are licensed and they have gone through the training. The idea that you're going to exempt them from a particular place is nonsense to me."

State Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth, called Perry's proposal "a terrible idea."

"Anybody has a right to tell somebody that they can't bring their handgun into their place of business," Burnam said. "I think the governor is just overreaching in a counterproductive way, and it's kind of typical [for the] governor -- shoot from the hip, literally and figuratively."

Perry made the remarks at a news conference after meeting with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt to discuss ways to prevent mass shootings and make schools safer. The discussion stems from President Bush's drive to find solutions in the wake of the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech.

About 260,000 Texans, who have undergone mandatory background checks and training, are licensed to carry a concealed weapon, records show. In the last fiscal year, 180 licenses were revoked and 493 were suspended.

Jay Root reports from the Star-Telegram 's Austin bureau. 512-476-4294
jroot@star-telegram.com