Advance media coverage of Statehouse 'Defense' Walk

Reports of extensive media coverage of today's Statehouse 'Defense' Walk are coming in from supporters in the Columbus area. Following is a compilation of those reports, with a link where available:

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

(Summaries only where links to full story available)

10TV WBNS:
Concealed-carry supporters to protest at statehouse

Columbus police and highway patrol will be keeping a close eye on the Ohio statehouse because people are expected to gather outside carrying guns.

A protest is in the works and their target is Ohio legislators.

Ohioans for concealed carry have been using these walks all across the state. A protest is planned to take place centering around the statehouse in downtown Columbus. But these members will also be carrying firearms openly which causes a concern for law enforcement.

The protesters are voicing their concerns to legislators over House Bill 12 and it's non-passage. That bill would allow Ohioans to carry concealed weapons. But organizers say the gathering will be peaceful and the open firearms they will be displaying are merely a way to make their statement.

There are reports that ABC 6 and NBC 4 in Columbus have also been advance-reporting the Walk today, but their websites do not yet include a story. Reports are that NBC 4 had several errors in their report, including a statement that a permit is required to open-carry in Columbus.

610 WTVN:
Guntoting demonstrators at Statehouse today

A group seeking to gain passage of a law that would permit Ohioans to carry concealed weapons will make their case at the Statehouse today. As many as 150 members of "Ohioans for Concealed Carry" are expected to rally at the Statehouse with guns on their hip. Gerard Valentino of the group points out that it's perfectly legal to carry a firearm openly and suggests that if concealed carry legislation fails again, Buckeye State residents might choose to do that for their own defense.

Ohio Public Radio:
Protestors to Brandish Guns at Statehouse

Supporters of a plan to legalize concealed weapons in Ohio plan to make their point at the Statehouse on Wednesday in an unusual way, they will be walking around Capitol Square with their guns in plain view. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Columbus Dispatch:
Protesters ' rally to oppose ban on concealed weapons

Opponents of Ohio's long standing ban on possessing concealed weapons will protest by openly carrying firearms Wednesday in front of the Statehouse at Broad and High.

The rally will be the latest in a series of protests to build support for legislation to legalize carrying a concealed weapon. It is legal to carry weapons openly in Ohio, and the so-called "defense walks" have been staged in several Ohio cities.

A House/Senate conference committee is to meet soon in an attempt to iron out differences between two versions of the bill approved by lawmakers. The bills would legalize carrying a concealed weapon with training and a permit.

"We look forward to a peaceful, silent statement to our elected officials as they return for session," Gerard Valentino, as spokesman for Ohioans for Concealed Weapons (sic).