Arizona Democrats complain about guns

Some representatives conceal, carry on House floor

3/30/2016
ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHOENIX — Arizona House Democrats are complaining that some representatives are apparently carrying guns on the House floor.

Rep. Randy Friese and five other Democrats sent a letter to Speaker David Gowan Wednesday asking him to clarity in writing whether members are allowed to be armed. The letter says the House has a sign requiring weapons to be checked at the door so being armed violates state law.

Gowan spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham says he took down the “no weapons” sign at the members’ entrance, so there is no legal bar on armed people entering that door.

Friese said he saw a lawmaker with a gun on Tuesday. He says he asked the Speaker to clarify the rules and got no response.

Friese declined to identify the member or their party affiliation.