As Kemp’s Set to Sign Criminal Carry Bill, Here’s 5 Times Georgia Law Enforcement Officials Opposed It

Today, Gov. Brian Kemp is expected to sign a dangerous criminal carry bill that would allow Georgians to carry concealed handguns without a permit or license, making it easier for criminals and abusers to carry guns and Georgia families less safe.

Both Kemp and his GOP rival David Perdue are pushing the legislation, although 70% of Georgia voters oppose allowing concealed carry without a license, and law enforcement officials have slammed the bill as dangerous.

Here’s what Georgia law enforcement officials are saying:

• Macon-Bibb County Colonel: “I think it would probably cause an increase in gun crimes.”

• Muscogee County Sheriff: “Law enforcement officials would be in ‘uncharted waters’ [if the bill is signed].”

• Savannah Police Chief: “Why now? Why is this coming up now? One of the concerns I have [with the legislation] is more people leaving their guns in cars. .’”

• Mercer University Lieutenant: “What we’ve got in place now, it works for us. I think if it changed without restrictions, I think it could put us backward.”

• Former Atlanta Police Officer: “The permit maybe makes a person give deeper thought to what they are doing when carrying a gun.”

“Brian Kemp is signing this dangerous criminal carry bill in a desperate attempt to appeal to the far-right while facing a nasty primary — despite opposition from law enforcement officials across the state,” said DGA Deputy Communications Director Sam Newton. “It’s time for Kemp to stop playing politics with Georgians’ lives.”

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