Council Considers Gun Ban Members Want To Keep Guns Out Of Meetings, Public Facilities

Residents packing heat may have to check their piece at the door to attend Troy City Council meetings.

Mayor Marie Vogel is worried about the potential danger that comes with allowing concealed weapons in City Hall or at public facilities such as the library.

This week, Vogel and council members asked City Attorney William Herrington to draft an ordinance. Herrington said he isn’t aware that any other Idaho community has such an ordinance.

Thor Holder, a candidate for Troy mayor, wore a handgun tucked into the back of his pants to the April 10 City Council meeting. He doesn’t see a need for the restriction.

“Overall, certainly the present city government can enact laws they deem necessary,” Holder said. “Whether they will be challenged or if they are correct or not will be determined in the future.”

Holder estimated that 40 percent of the people of Troy have permits for concealed weapons. “Personally, I don’t think (an ordinance) is a necessary step but being the lawabiding citizen that I am, I would go along with that.”

Vogel said she’s aware some people often have toted guns into council chambers. She said the ordinance would be for the protection of people attending meetings, as well as officials.

Moscow Police Chief William Brown Jr. said Idaho law prohibits concealed weapons in courthouses, juvenile detention facilities, jails or public or private school.