New gun law sets stage for airport showdown
Lawmaker says he'll defy city's ban on weapons
Article
By JIM THARPE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 07/01/08

You could call it the Atlanta version of "High Noon."

Top city officials will announce Tuesday that despite a new state gun law that went into effect at midnight, they will have anyone carrying a weapon at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport arrested. The state lawmaker who sponsored the new gun law says if they do, the city will immediately be sued. And state Rep. Tim Bearden (R-Villa Rica) said the plaintiff in the lawsuit could be himself.

[Tuesday]," Bearden told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday. "I'll have one [a concealed weapon] with me at all times."

Airport General Manager Ben DeCosta said if Bearden shows up at the world's busiest airport with a gun, he'll be busted.

"I can identify him, and I'll have him arrested," DeCosta said Monday. "We're not fooling around. This is a post-terrorism environment."

The new law, which Bearden sponsored, permits licensed gun owners to carry concealed firearms in parks, on public transportation and in restaurants that serve liquor. The law takes effect Tuesday.

Firearms proponents hailed the law as a victory for the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. They say law-abiding citizens with the appropriate permits should be allowed to carry firearms in formerly forbidden areas for self-protection.

Before the new law was passed, Georgia law banned guns from venues like public transportation and restaurants serving alcohol. More than 40 other states permit guns on public transportation, Bearden said, and 37 allow permit holders to carry weapons into restaurants.

"I was in law enforcement for 15 years," Bearden said as the bill awaited the governor's signature two months ago. "I never rode up on a shooting in progress. I don't like the idea of the police telling you, 'Get mugged, get raped, get murdered. We'll come by, take the report, or send flowers.' That's the wrong message."

Opponents, however, blasted the proposal, saying it has the potential to spark more violence than it stops. DeCosta wrote to Gov. Sonny Perdue asking him to veto the bill, and Mayor Shirley Franklin and MARTA officials publicly lambasted the idea. MARTA bus drivers gathered more than 1,000 signatures on petitions demanding bulletproof shields.

Federal law already bans guns past the security checkpoints at U.S. airports. The new state law, however, apparently would permit guns to be carried on the non-secure side of Hartsfield-Jackson by people who have gone through a background check and have been certified to carry a weapon. Licensed gun owners would be permitted to carry weapons on public transportation coming into the airport, its lobby and in restaurants outside the security checkpoints.

DeCosta said he will use the first day the new law takes effect to declare Hartsfield-Jackson a "gun-free" zone.

"We're going to make it clear that the law does not make any allowance for guns at the airport," DeCosta said. "Guns are not appropriate for any airport in Georgia."

He and Franklin plan a 10 a.m. news conference to discuss the new gun law.

Bearden said the new law clearly permits guns in some areas of the airport.

"They are not appropriate once you go past security," he said. "But in parking lots or restaurants or public transportation, they are OK."

The state lawmaker said the city does not have the authority to defy a state law, and if they make arrests they will end up in court.

DeCosta said city officials will not back down from their position on the new law and again vowed to have Bearden or anyone else carrying a gun on airport property arrested.

"He can then have all the NRA [National Rifle Association] lawyers say why it's OK for him to bring a gun to the airport," DeCosta said.

MARTA, meanwhile, released a statement late Monday noting that state law prohibits firearms on public transit unless the carrier has a valid license to carry a gun.

"This license must be carried at any time that an individual is carrying a firearm on MARTA," the statement said.

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 Let the flame war begin....  

Airport will lose, GA will win. Game over.

If I had the money and time, I might be willing to be the test case on this one.


Odd that Florida has had this law at least for the 6 years I've been carrying concealed, and we don't have airport shootouts.

Quoted: If I had the money and time, I might be willing to be the test case on this one. Odd that Florida has had this law at least for the 6 years I've been carrying concealed, and we don't have airport shootouts.

Their has never been a Commercial Airport shootout on U.S. soil in the history of this country. Even criminals aren't that stupid.

I really hope the legislator really does get arrested.  It would be damn nice to see one of them stand up for something.

rr

I hope karma gets hold of Ben DeCosta.

The liberals wouldn't feel safe if this law was ever passed in California.

Quoted: Odd that Florida has had this law at least for the 6 years I've been carrying concealed, and we don't have airport shootouts.

Really?

Quoted: I really hope the legislator really does get arrested.  It would be damn nice to see one of them stand up for something. rr

+1  It is good to finally see supposed statesmen stand up for what they believe in and put their ass on the line as a test case instead of throwing up their hands and proclaiming "I did my part when I passed the law, you deal with it".  

Someone buy that man a drink!  It's refreshing to see a pro-2A politician with a set of balls...

Quoted: I hope karma gets hold of Ben DeCosta.

If by karma you mean this guy I agree.

Quoted: New gun law sets stage for airport showdown < snip > Airport General Manager Ben DeCosta said if Bearden shows up at the world's busiest airport with a gun, he'll be busted. "I can identify him, and I'll have him arrested," DeCosta said Monday. "We're not fooling around. This is a post-terrorism environment."

Whenever you hear these words you know they're being used to justify a violation of rights.

Quoted: Quoted: New gun law sets stage for airport showdown < snip > Airport General Manager Ben DeCosta said if Bearden shows up at the world's busiest airport with a gun, he'll be busted. "I can identify him, and I'll have him arrested," DeCosta said Monday. "We're not fooling around. This is a post-terrorism environment." Whenever you hear these words you know they're being used to justify a violation of rights.

+1 if it's post-terrorism, anyway, the terrorism has ended.

Quoted: New gun law sets stage for airport showdown < snip > Airport General Manager Ben DeCosta said if Bearden shows up at the world's busiest airport with a gun, he'll be busted. "I can identify him, and I'll have him arrested," DeCosta said Monday. "We're not fooling around. This is a post-terrorism environment."

And exactly how many terrorist acts have been committed by CCW holders or state Reps?  Exactly.  

I would first hope that Bearden gets an opinion from the GA Attorney General's office about the legality of this new law just to reaffirm it.  From that point on, DeCosta would not have any grounds to attempt to arrest any legal carrying CCW permit holder.

I wonder if that includes out-of-state CCW/CWP holders.  

Quoted: Quoted: If I had the money and time, I might be willing to be the test case on this one. Odd that Florida has had this law at least for the 6 years I've been carrying concealed, and we don't have airport shootouts. Their has never been a Commercial Airport shootout on U.S. soil in the history of this country. Even criminals aren't that stupid.

Ummm, wasn't there a El Al security guard that shot and killed a gunman at LAX a few years back?

I carry in DFW airport whever I pick someone up.

Quoted: "I can identify him, and I'll have him arrested good luck with that, chief," DeCosta said Monday. "We're not fooling around. This is a post-terrorism environment." DeCosta said he will use the first day the new law takes effect to declare Hartsfield-Jackson a "gun-free" zone. Yeah, we've heard that before

Fuck me, you know it's bad when the people sworn to uphold the law publicly and blatantly challenge it.

Quoted: Quoted: Odd that Florida has had this law at least for the 6 years I've been carrying concealed, and we don't have airport shootouts. Really?

You know, I just looked up the statute, and there is includes the passenger terminal. However, I can almost swear that this was not the case just a few years ago.

I can state that that effectively makes the infromation that the old packing.org had incorrect, and it serves the additional purpose of making me incorrect. This crow tastes like shit.

So an airport general manager thinks he can arrest a state legislator and get away with it?

I'll bet $50 if Bearden gets arrested, DeCosta, Mayor Franklin, and the po-po's involved will all need to dust off their resumes because their asses are getting SHITCANNED.

Quoted: Quoted: New gun law sets stage for airport showdown < snip > Airport General Manager Ben DeCosta said if Bearden shows up at the world's busiest airport with a gun, he'll be busted. "I can identify him, and I'll have him arrested," DeCosta said Monday. "We're not fooling around. This is a post-terrorism environment." Whenever you hear these words you know they're being used to justify a violation of rights.

+1

Quoted: MARTA bus drivers gathered more than 1,000 signatures on petitions demanding bullet proof shields.

Where does one sign up for one of these bulletproof shields exactly???? and do I get an axe, mace or a sword to go with it? and can I get one of those helmets with the pointy things on it? Why have they not requested these magic bullet proof shields in Transportation fields across the nation? I mean, we all know honest law biding citizens run around breaking laws shooting decent people all the time.

We have something similar out here in OR as well, another gun, oops, I mean CHL free zone at our airport, just waiting for a test case with deep pockets to put those MF'ers in their place. Wait, I forgot, most of that City is like that too. Not exactly 2A friendly.

BT

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: If I had the money and time, I might be willing to be the test case on this one. Odd that Florida has had this law at least for the 6 years I've been carrying concealed, and we don't have airport shootouts. Their has never been a Commercial Airport shootout on U.S. soil in the history of this country. Even criminals aren't that stupid. Ummm, wasn't there a El Al security guard that shot and killed a gunman at LAX a few years back?

Yes.  There was also the FAMs that shot a passenger on the jet bridge in Miami.

ETA:  I guess the FAM thing doesn't qualify as a shootout, but he LAX incident does.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Odd that Florida has had this law at least for the 6 years I've been carrying concealed, and we don't have airport shootouts. Really? You know, I just looked up the statute, and there is includes the passenger terminal. However, I can almost swear that this was not the case just a few years ago. I can state that that effectively makes the infromation that the old packing.org had incorrect, and it serves the additional purpose of making me incorrect. This crow tastes like shit.

You are right.

Florida permits used to allow concealed carry up to the security checkpoint.

Haven't checked recently to see if that has changed.

Quoted: Quoted: "I can identify him, and I'll have him arrested good luck with that, chief," DeCosta said Monday. "We're not fooling around. This is a post-terrorism environment." DeCosta said he will use the first day the new law takes effect to declare Hartsfield-Jackson a "gun-free" zone. Yeah, we've heard that before Fuck me, you know it's bad when the people sworn to uphold the law publicly and blatantly challenge it.

+1

Atlanta is going to get bitch slapped again, State gun laws trump local gun laws.

I'm curious to see what happens.  I would love to test this out.  Whoever gets arrested will get paid.  GA laws trump local airport laws.  I'm so glad there is a representative willing to stand up for us.

Gotta follow this....

BTW....

Maimi "SHOOT" was FAM'S INSIDE Security, authorized carry.

LAX "SHOOT" was OUTSIDE Security, where anyone with a legal CCW could have stopped it....OH WAIT, it's California/LA, where NO ONE has a legal CCW....

There will likely be several more cases of these self-righteous fools throwing tantrums because they can't get there way.  That is, until a few lose their jobs and the cities lose money.  

Bearden for President.  

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Odd that Florida has had this law at least for the 6 years I've been carrying concealed, and we don't have airport shootouts. Really? You know, I just looked up the statute, and there is includes the passenger terminal. However, I can almost swear that this was not the case just a few years ago. I can state that that effectively makes the infromation that the old packing.org had incorrect, and it serves the additional purpose of making me incorrect. This crow tastes like shit. You are right. Florida permits used to allow concealed carry up to the security checkpoint. Haven't checked recently to see if that has changed.

UT has a very similar law, and no shoot outs here...

This is what I call, "putting your money where your mouth is!"

This is good news. I'm Atlanta born and raised. I really like it that people can CCW on MARTA. That and restaurants are where they really need it. The airport, not so much.

I hope this Rep. hands the city their ass on a platter. We need more like him. And Good on Sonny for signing it.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: If I had the money and time, I might be willing to be the test case on this one. Odd that Florida has had this law at least for the 6 years I've been carrying concealed, and we don't have airport shootouts. Their has never been a Commercial Airport shootout on U.S. soil in the history of this country. Even criminals aren't that stupid. Ummm, wasn't there a El Al security guard that shot and killed a gunman at LAX a few years back?

Yes. Muslem terrorist lone operator shot up the El Al terminal at LAX before being killed by security.

That's hardcore on the part of the state representative.

Quoted: I carry in DFW airport whever I pick someone up.

Yup, I carry in airports.  Never had a shootout in one.  Which is a shame really because there are a lot of great places to do ninja acrobatics in an airport.  Personally I want to get into a fight with colombian smugglers and slide through the baggage x ray while dual wielding 1911s.

It's a fresh new day in GA!

I hopped on the public transportation system today to go to work, and walked to my building -- I can't carry to work because it's a university, but I felt safer already!

Bearden has been on the forefront of the fight for GA gun rights for as long as I've been paying attention to the matter, and I'm most definitely grateful for all he's done for us.

Effective today, things are definitely better for us (and anyone who can legally carry in GA), but we've still a ways to go.

Quoted: It's a fresh new day in GA! I hopped on the public transportation system today to go to work, and walked to my building -- I can't carry to work because it's a university, but I felt safer already! Bearden has been on the forefront of the fight for GA gun rights for as long as I've been paying attention to the matter, and I'm most definitely grateful for all he's done for us. Effective today, things are definitely better for us (and anyone who can legally carry in GA), but we've still a ways to go.

^ This

"I was in law enforcement for 15 years," Bearden said as the bill awaited the governor's signature two months ago. "I never rode up on a shooting in progress. I don't like the idea of the police telling you, 'Get mugged, get raped, get murdered. We'll come by, take the report, or send flowers.' That's the wrong message."

Quoted from original article.

Quoted: seems to me the LE at the airport should KNOW the law and refuse to make the arrest.

Refuse an illegal order?    I'll take that bet any day.

Threads with this topic have been debated ad nauseum,  The results here will be telling now won't they

Quoted: UT has a very similar law, and no shoot outs here... This is what I call, "putting your money where your mouth is!"

Really, I don't remember that in the CCW class.  I remember it's no dice in federal buildings, state buildings? and church.  Prior to security checkpoints in OK at SLC international?

I got to review that again.

Sorry, guys this isn't happening.

The lawsuit will still go on but Bearden will not be carrying per his own words over at Georgiapacking.org.

Airport General Manager Ben DeCosta said if Bearden shows up at the world's busiest airport with a gun, he'll be busted.

So he is in fact banning flying with a gun?

Someone should inform this idiot that it is legal to walk up to the counter with a gun... how else can you check one in your baggage to fly.

What a maroon.

I thought it had always been legal to carry outside the security zones.  Good thing I never did.  Wonder if they would have arrested me for having a gun in my car while I was dropping off and picking up.  

Quoted: Sorry, guys this isn't happening. The lawsuit will still go on but Bearden will not be carrying per his own words over at Georgiapacking.org.

link?

Atlanta.........

Quoted: Quoted: Sorry, guys this isn't happening. The lawsuit will still go on but Bearden will not be carrying per his own words over at Georgiapacking.org. link?

+1

I like to see the liberals squirm.

First... how does a general manager of an airport have the authority to have someone arrested unless they are tresspassing? Is he referencing airport security or the police,  because I can't think of a sworn peace officer in his right mind that would arrest someone for OBEYING a state law.

Quoted: Quoted: New gun law sets stage for airport showdown < snip > Airport General Manager Ben DeCosta said if Bearden shows up at the world's busiest airport with a gun, he'll be busted. "I can identify him, and I'll have him arrested," DeCosta said Monday. "We're not fooling around. This is a post-terrorism environment." Whenever you hear these words you know they're being used to justify a violation of rights.

That's because we're living in a post-liberty environment courtesy of D.C.

Gun rights are getting better every day