New law allows Northern Kentucky residents to openly carry firearms in city owned facilities

INDEPENDENCE, Ky. - From the Aurora, Colo. theater shooting last summer to the Sandy Hook rampage last month, the topic of who should be able to carry a gun has been a hotly debated topic.

A new law in Kentucky now allows residents to openly carry firearms into city owned facilities, including parks, libraries and city hall.

The law was passed last April, but it almost seems as if implementing this particular law was done in stealth mode.

"I did not hear that it was even on the books," said Alex Logsdon, co-owner of Shooter's Supply and Range.

Logsdon said the new law caught him off guard, but he's glad it was passed.

"The people who are conceal carriers can take them places where they couldn't before. You know, just opening it up to more and more places, to protect and defend themselves,” said Logsdon.

Many Northern Kentucky officials weren't aware the law had gone into effect when 9 On Your Side contacted them Monday afternoon.

The law was news to Independence mayor Chris Moriconi.

Independence Police Chief Shawn Butler said guns are a way of life there, and he expects no problems.

The city manager of Florence says he hadn't heard of it, either.

The city manager of Covington, the largest city in Northern Kentucky, did not return calls asking for a comment about the law.

The mayor of Park Hills Don Catchen said "people carrying guns is fine," but he isn't happy with the idea of armed citizens who might have an issue with city council.

"You're almost like a sitting duck,” said Catchen.

Some gun owners agree with him.

"I think in the meeting, stuff like that, it should be regulated," said Ron Vinson of Florence, Ky.

However, Frankfort made it clear in the legislation that no local government can put any restrictions of any kind on open carry firearms in city facilities.

"That's wrong. A city ought to be able to regulate certain things within their jurisdiction," said Catchen.

With Ohio's concealed carry law, there are restrictions. In most cases government buildings and school property are off limits, as well as churches.

The rules are similar in Indiana which does not allow guns in government buildings, schools, or on school buses.