Gun owners plan peaceful walk; Citizens to protest state's concealed weapon ban

Lima News
October 7, 2003

LIMA - A group of gun-toting citizens plan to strap handguns to their sides and hit the streets Sunday to protest a recent court
ruling on the state's concealed weapon law.

The Defense Walk will begin Sunday at 2 p.m. on Sherwood Drive off North Cable Road. A gun-safety check will be at 1 p.m. in the parking lot of AutoZone, said Charlie Triplett, one of the organizers of the event.

"It's just a friendly little walk," Triplett said.

The event will protest a recent ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court upholding the state's ban on concealed weapons. Triplett said citizens have the right to have a gun to protect themselves from crime.

"We want our fundamental right restored in Ohio which is the right to bear arms," he said.

Anyone can participate in the protest, even if they don't have a gun, he said. Anyone wanting to carry a gun must participate in the safety check before the walk through the subdivision.

Participants must carry their gun in a holster that is easily visible. Only handguns may be brought. "No rifles or shotguns," Triplett said.

Other communities across the state also will participate.

Triplett has contacted the Allen County Sheriff's Office and the Lima Police Department to make sure both agencies are aware of the protest, he said.

"We just want to walk and get our point across," he said.

Click here for the current schedule of "Defense" Walks, directions and contact information, and also for more details on future Walks.