York councilwoman calls for ban of guns at meetings
The recent Arizona shooting that critically wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and killed six others prompted York City Councilwoman Toni Smith to recommend a change at city council meetings.
Smith on Tuesday suggested people shouldn't be allowed to carry firearms into council chambers.
Unlike federal, state and county buildings, anyone who is licensed to carry a gun is permitted to have it in their possession during council meetings, she said.
City solicitor Don Hoyt noted that firearms are restricted in the York County Courthouse.
However, there's no law that prohibits individuals from taking a gun to a city council meeting, Hoyt said.
A city police officer attends all council meetings, per Smith's request. But that doesn't mean city residents feel safe at the meetings, she said, because one city resident regularly brings a holstered handgun to the meetings.
Smith said she intends to speak with state Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York City, to discuss a new law to prevent firearms in council chambers.
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