CO. State Rep Drops His Gun at Colorado Capitol Building
A Republican State Representative in Colorado had an embarrassing incident that might even be a severe violation of Colorado law.
According to local news station Fox31, when Representative Richard Holtorf made his way into the House Chambers, his concealed carry gun dropped to the floor. The gun didn’t go off, and no one was injured. However, that didn’t prevent this incident from generating strong responses from both sides of the political spectrum.
From Fox31
Legal concerns for Rep. Holtorf —
First, Colorado Revised Code CRS 18-12-214 (4) prohibits firearms inside the Capitol, even if the person has a valid concealed carry license. Reports said that Rep. Holtorf has a valid concealed carry license.
It doesn’t appear that any exemption exists that would allow lawmakers to carry their guns in the Capitol when the commoner cannot. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening or that lawmakers live by a “different code.”
From Fox31
A representative from the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), which has jurisdiction in the Capitol, stated:
Currently, we’re looking at all applicable laws as it relates to this incident and how they may apply specifically.
Does this mean Rep. Holtorf will face criminal charges? Who knows. I would bet on no, because based on what a fellow State Representative Tom Sullivan (D) said:
They have said over the years, in debates over the years that they are concealed carry permit holders and that they bring them [handguns] with them all the time [to the Capitol], I believe them.
If this is true, more state lawmakers than Holtorf routinely bring their firearms with them, and I would bet there are Democrats on the list too. So I’m more inclined to believe nothing criminal will happen to Holtorf, but lawmakers will adopt defined rules to prohibit lawmakers’ firearms in the Capitol.
Much different than what would happen if you or I violated the law, right?
From Fox31
Bad optics for gun owners —
Lots of people say incidents like these make gun owners look bad. I agree, but it’s not my primary concern. Anti-gunners don’t differentiate the gun from the gun owners. This is the reason they don’t mind if you become a felon for owning a 30-round magazine, even if you have never violated a law in your entire life.
I am not saying that following the law isn’t important, just that it won’t appease the anti-gunners. Representative Tom Sullivan said:
These are people that profess to be law-abiding, responsible gun owners and to have something like that happen appears to me to be an irresponsible act.
I’m more concerned with the “rules for thee but not for me” attitude of lawmakers.
I’ll make a general statement, not directed at Rep. Holtorf.
If lawmakers had to live by the same rules we do, they might fight harder to get legislation passed. I’m saying that if a representative knows they can circumvent the law and carry a gun where it is prohibited, they don’t relate to the burden it places on law-abiding gun owners.
Practical considerations for Rep. Holtorf —
We all have a responsibility to do what is right, even if we aren’t carrying a firearm. Mistakes happen, and we know guns don’t go off just because they drop to the floor.
With that being said even as rare as these incidents are, we still need to do everything in our control to guard against them happening.
The reports don’t say how Rep. Holtorf carried the gun. Perhaps he had it in a bag. While off-body carry isn’t ideal, there are ways to properly carry a firearm in a bag safely and securely.
Maybe he carried it in a holster. We talk a lot about the attributes of a good holster and the purpose behind our reasoning. The holster should be specific to that gun and attach the holster to the body securely.
I have no idea if Rep. Holtorf carried with a shoulder holster, but a gun in a shoulder holster that isn’t secured is at risk of falling out as soon as the person bends over. Could this have been the reason? I don’t know.
However, it’s worth thinking about how you carry your gun and if it is really as secure as you think.
In Summary —
This incident looks bad, not just for Rep. Holtorf but for gun owners. It may result in legal troubles or fines for the Representative and stricter gun laws.
What do you guys think? Let us know in the comments below.
The law should apply EQUALLY to all. That doesn’t is obviously a problem.
“Equally is ridiculous”. It’s it equal that adults get more points on their drivers license before suspension, than minors or even 18-21 yr olds? Or that the public can drink alcohol in certain areas on public but not in others? Or that cops get to carry concealed without a CCW permit? Or that legislators get to park their cars where the public can’t. Or that legislators don’t have to stand in line at entry metal detectors? Or that flight crews have abbreviated TSA checks at the airport? Or that some people get food stamps but I don’t? Or that most of the state doesn’t need car emission tests, but I have to? Or that i get reduced property tax bill as a senior, but you don’t? And so many more. I’m not being silly. There are differences and priveleges that don’t make everything equal. And there shouldn’t be EVERYTHING equal.
Your point is valid unless there is no specific rule/statute that gives that privilege to an individual, in this case an elected legislator. If there is no privilege then he should be treated under the law. I work for the state in SC and I am prohibited from carry in my building by state law and department rule, therefore I do not carry. Do I think that is what should be allowed, absolutely not. Where the focus should be is the pursuit of changing legislation and not accepting that there are “unwritten privileges ” for certain classes of citizens.
I see both sides. Great discussion.
Once it becomes a law on record, that law should be enforced to the letter. It does not matter who that individual is. If he broke the law, he should be subjected to whatever the penalties are for breaking that law. It makes no difference what his political affiliation is, or what his profession is. He violated a law and needs to be accountable for that violation. There has to be accountability for everyone or the law has no real meaning or value. Every day there are celebrities, wealthy or connected people that skate on any penalty for breaking the law that the common citizen is subjected to. That has to stop. Everyone from the President down to the homeless man should be accountable for breaking the law.
The corruption in this country is systemic from the national level down to the local level. The people elected by the citizens show their contempt and lack of respect everyday and truly how disconnected they are from the reality how the rest of us live everyday. That lack of respect goes the other way also. When the rest of us see how this goes on everyday without punishment it builds a resentment that festers and eventually it will blow up. Lawmakers, celebrities, wealthy, poor and everyday citizens need to understand that in this nation we are all equal and that there are consequences to breaking the law regardless of who you are. Yes there will always be some that game the system, but until EVERYONE is held accountable to the laws, then it is just a sham and we need to stop preaching to the world about freedom and democracy.
Until we practice what we preach, we are just another nation full of hypocrites. It is very embarrassing to see what we have become in the eyes of the world. Why can’t we see what everyone else sees? It is sad to see how our officials and our media lack self awareness. How can an entire section of the population be so obtuse? I am so tired and frustrated by the lack of accountability from people. There are rules to a society. Without them, that society will cease to exist. Exactly like what is happening today. I hope we can pull our heads out of our behinds and get with the program before it’s too late. That means EVERYONE!