A new reason for firearms

Sat., Oct. 5, 2019

I would like to address the letter written by Gil Beyer (“Armed festivalgoers?” Sept. 9) regarding the Festival at Sandpoint and attendees requesting to carry their firearms. Mr. Beyer alludes that in the 35 years since the Festival’s beginning, there has never been a reason to carry a firearm.

I want to remind Mr. Beyer that on July 28 the famous Gilroy Garlic Festival in California was celebrating its 40th year when it was the site of a mass shooting that left three innocent people dead and 17 wounded. The weapon used is banned in California. There was no attempt made by a citizen with a legally owned firearm to stop the shooter because the festival was a “no weapon zone.”

Those who follow the law do not murder innocent people, Mr. Beyer, we protect them when we are allowed to.

Lesley Haskell

Spokane

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