Armed residents clean up
Effort aimed at promoting awareness of right to carry armsBy WARREN SCOTT, Staff writer
Article Photos
STEUBENVILLE - To participate in a cleanup on the streets of the Labelle neighborhood, about a dozen residents brought not only rubber gloves and plastic garbage bags.
They also brought handguns, which they kept in holsters worn around their waists - some in plain view and some not - in a move they said was aimed at promoting awareness of laws allowing Ohioans the right to carry firearms in public.
Wayne Johnson, a resident of Belleview Boulevard - one of the streets where the group worked - said under state law, anyone may carry any gun they have the right to legally own.
He said Ohioans may not carry a concealed weapon without a permit, which may be obtained after undergoing a 12-hour training program and criminal background check.
Asked why someone would want a permit to carry a concealed weapon if they could carry an unconcealed weapon without a permit, Johnson said laws establish that carrying a weapon in one's vehicle constitutes concealing it.
"If you have a loaded magazine in the car, it's considered a loaded weapon," Johnson said, adding that without the permit "it's a hassle."
He was asked if his desire to carry a weapon is spurred by safety concerns or the wish to express his Constitutional right to bear arms.
Johnson said the answer is both. He said he doesn't expect to use his weapons, but he carries them as a precaution.
"We have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. We don't plan to use that. We're not looking for trouble, but it could find us," he said.
Johnson said he doesn't believe an increase in people carrying concealed weapons could lead to more mishaps or acts of violence involving firearms.
He said those who have obtained concealed carry permits "are already disposed to obey the law. Where mass shootings have occurred, the individuals didn't have a license. It didn't stop them from shooting."
Johnson said the cleanup was announced through an Internet forum called Ohioans for Concealed Carry. He said other events, including a picnic at a Cleveland park, have been held through the informal group.
He said the purpose of the cleanup is to change perceptions on those who carry concealed weapons.
"We're normal, helpful citizens. Just because you carry a firearm doesn't make you any less the kind of person you'd meet in a Wal-Mart or on the street," Johnson said.
In an earlier interview he said the cleanup was spurred by an incident in which neighbors called the police because they had seen him carrying a weapon.
According to City Police, Johnson was walking with his wife, who had a concealed weapon, and children and was asked by a city patrolman to conceal his weapon also to avoid causing a disturbance.
Officers who reported on the matter said they were aware of Johnson's right to carry a firearm but advised him "the potential existed for an unneeded confrontation due to the area he was in."
Travis Hunt, a Wintersville resident participating in the cleanup, was asked if neighbors should report suspicious activity.
"I encourage everybody to report suspicious activity in this day and age," he said.
But Hunt said people shouldn't be concerned about those who have obtained concealed carry permits.
"You rarely hear of people with concealed permits committing gun crimes," he said.
Hunt said he carries a concealed weapon to protect his children, teaches them about gun safety and keeps his firearms locked up at home.
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)
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Cavanaugh
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06-28-09 10:24 AM
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Dottie. I hope you are kidding us with this statement (BECAUSE YOU HAVE A RIGHT DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO EXERCISE IT OR THAT YOU SHOULD) tell that to the people who defend or rights and our way of like every day on the battle field. Its people with this kind of mind set that are destroying this country from the inside. Question for you what other rights do you think we should not exercise? Right to vote. Right to free speech. Right to freedom of religion And as a side note I did drive a truck to this event but I did not have on mirrored sunglasses. also this paper published a story that this was going to happen a few days before it happened in print and on line I find it funny that you found this story and not the other. Have a safe day. R.T.C.
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skydivesue
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06-28-09 7:16 AM
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Well, I'm 100 percent behind any United States citizen who's trying to preserve our Constitutional rights. Keep it up!!! As we all know, our Constitutional rights are being chipped away on a daily basis, and I've been waiting a long time for someone to take a stand. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the peaceful way that you are doing it. And for helping to clean up the neighborhoods. If anyone feels threatened by it, they know how to dial 911 and find out what's happening. There's more of a statement being made here, than just cleaning up trash and carrying a gun. Wake up, people!
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dottie38
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06-28-09 4:54 AM
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These were not residents of my neighborhood.I think that needs to be made clear.The Johnson's are residents, the majority were invited by the Johnsons without any of us(residents)knowing it was going to happen. I find it interesting that even when I didn't know why they were there, I felt threatened. They rode into here with their big trucks and mirrored sun glasses; they scared me. I was going to call the police until a neighbor boy came over and told me what was going on. I was not impressed. I also dont appreciate seeing my car and parts of my house in the tv coverage, as if I am associated with this group. Go carry your guns in your own neighborhood and clean it up. Our community is clean and we are peacefully happy without you all coming over here toting guns just becsuse you can.Because you have a right doesn't mean you have to exercise it or that you should. Discernment is a gift that needs to be taken more seriously.
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