Should Peoria be the test city for concealed-carry legislation in Illinois?

Concealed carry is a choice. It does not mean everyone has to carry a gun. If you feel unsafe carrying a gun then don't, but please allow others who are more experienced and legally own a gun the right to choose.

I am thinking that this would not be a good idea at all. What about all the criminals that use guns in their crimes? If this law is passed then that means that they can start carrying their weapons concealed.
Peoria has enough problems as it is, and they want to add the concealment law to it? This is absolutely insane.

Lisa -

How do you think criminals carry their guns now?

Like most gun laws, this one would only apply to law abiding citizens.

Lisa you don't understand the criminals are carrying guns illegally right now!! I think this concealment law would be the best thing for IL. That would mean more legal gun owners would be carrying gun then the criminals and that would cut crimes in half if not all the way!!! Everyone who don't agree with the concealment law do the research with the states that have the law and see how it has cut gun crimes down. In order to be legal to carry you would have to take firearms safety courses and be certified thru the state!!

I personally think this this is a great idea statewide, not just for Peoria. This would make criminals think before they tried something. Right now the only people that carry are the criminals. Why should they be the ones able to protect themselves. Law-abiding citizens should be able to protect themselves, their families and their homes. There are only 2 states that do not allow concealed carry. I would be more than happy to take the class and pay the fees to allow me to carry a firearm. The crime rate will only keep rising until the criminals know they aren't the only ones on the street with a firearm......

I have mixed feelings. What about the crazies out there? So someone has a fender bender in a parking lot and one of the people involved goes off the handle or road rage. And then you have the rednecks. Do you really think the criminals care one way or the other? They have no respect for life or fear of dying. Like I said in the beginning, I have mixed feelings.

I am a responsible gun owner, I realize this is a emotionally charged issue, but it is time for a concealed carry law to be inacted. People that are opposed to conceal/carry do not fully understand that in order to obtain and maintain a conceal carry permit in other states, individuals have to be certified and tested on a regular basis. The responsibility and liability to have a conceal carry permit is as strick as it is for law enforcement officials. The law abiding citizen assumes full responsiblity for this permit, unlike the criminal who takes no responsibility for their actions. Lets face it, criminals have no regard for the law, and they will always find a way to obtain a weapon by illegal means.

We are in favor of the right to carry with the proper training and permit. I think it will make a lot of would-be car-jackers and other criminals think twice before they move on a citizen if they are thinking they might bite of more than chew.

"A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." The II Amendment of the United States of America.

I would recommend people take time to read the Constitution of the United States or take a class in the Constitution. There is one being planned soon. Check out the 9-12 Meet up group. http://www.meetup.com/The-Heart-of-Illinois-9-12-Project/calendar/2009-06#7 It is July 11th at 3:00. Hope to see you there!

I applaud Jim Ardis for this progressive initiative to control our soaring crime rates.....many now involving armed (or replica armed) perpetrators. My friends and acquaintances have recently been talking specifically about the lack of gun-carry in IL ......and so I really support Jim on this attempt to get this off dead center!!!!!! I feel it would greatly change the balance (or lack of it) in the equation to put the public on a more even basis with the thugs. Way to go, Jim!!!

I would love to have the option to carry outside my home. Why should the criminals be the only ones carry (and they carry against the law)?

Why is it people don't want Carry Conceal? People shout from the rooftops they don't want it, but they don't understand that we the law-abiding citizens are suppose to have more rights than the criminals and should be able to defend ourselves from the non law-abiding CRIMINALS.

Kudos to Mayor Jim Ardis for having the courage to step forward by supporting our rights as provided under the Second Amendment.
We need to protect our rights on Election Day by checking out who is really standing up for us.

Betrand Russell once said, "..The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure AND the intelligent are full of doubt..."; My take on that is, there are 'moments'...
The recommendation by Ardis is a good political statement, as lots of our locals prefer to be armed, concealed or otherwise, and Jim is our leader, of course. I grew up in a peace-loving neighborhood in the 60's & 70's and saw my Dad cut our only weapon, an aging rifle, into pieces to so demonstrate our commitment to peaceable society.

Admittedly, times have changed since those early civil rights days, and some of the 'street' has got completely 'wrong' perceptions about our peaceable community...recent crimes have demonstrated an unrest amidst the general populous in some areas of downstate...and for some, fear has set in.

My wife said that someone had once said, "..an armed society is a polite society..." in sense that people will tend to watch what they say and how they act 'knowing' that the other guy is probably armed...I'm undecided.

At this point only 282 out of 639 people favor the proposal to allow concealed carry in the City of Peoria. The idea has lost in this poll, at least so far.

Peace through superior firepower.

What if .... What if.... What if.

Well it's law in 48 states of the United States and there are no running gun fights. There are no road rage incidents with mass murders on the highways. These special people living here in Illinois think very little of their neighbors. Charging that their close friends are too dangerous to be permitted to protect themselves.

The Police will tell you that it is NOT their responsibility to see to your safety. The Illinois Sheriff's Association passed a resolution back in February BACKING Conceal Carry for citizens of Illinois. They know that armed citizens present a danger only to criminals and NOT to other citizens of Illinois.

In some of the states Conceal Carry is automatic. You need nothing to start carrying a side arm. In others you have to apply for a permit and go through a class teaching responsibility and safety.

In Illinois and Wisconson the law abiding citizens are being left to the mercy of the criminals by the legislature. Violent crime is on the rise in Illinois and I am not sure about Wisconson. Crimes against women in other states is dropping, because the criminals are not sure if she is armed or not.
So they leave her alone.

Support Conceal Carry for honest citizens, if you don't then you support Criminals by giving them more victims.

Danno said> At this point only 282 out of 639 people favor the proposal to allow concealed carry in the City of Peoria. The idea has lost in this poll, at least so far. .................... .Read again Danno.....Out of 746 votes only 207 are against Conceal Carry.......Period.

I think studies have shown that States with concealed carry have DECREASED crime by a substantial amount. I say carry if you are comfortable and don't if not! I personally DO NOT SHOP PEORIA unless I HAVE to. I'm scared shi?le??!
Give me my own and I might venture back to spend my much missed tax dollars on that side of the river or maybe not!

Being able to protect yourself is a human instinct. Everyday we read on the news that someone else in broad daylight has been robbed and beaten by a thug with a gun. You can act like a sheep, which would only embolden the thugs, or act like human and protect yourself and loved ones from these out of control thugs. Remember, the people who decide to carry will be trained lawbyding citizens. Many veterans already have years of experience. If you do not personally want to carry don't ! But do not take that ability from another citizen who does. Good Day.

I have reviewed statistics and firmly believe that a society that is allowed to carry a gun is a safer society. Imagine your a bad guy and you want to rob, hurt, bully..... you see a lone citizen in the park - a target - but you decide it's too risky, maybe they have a gun, maybe they know how to use it. I believe the overwhelming majority of people are good and they will rise to the occasion if someone needs help. Imagine a friend, son, daughter, maybe you, are in trouble somewhere, serious trouble, and someone with a gun sees this, I believe they will help - rescue - my friend or family or you. Gun owners - and people who feel safer because there are gun owners - are scared today the the right to own guns are under attack and I think they are. Please consider this issue rationally, without fear and decide how you feel. Vote how you feel. There is a lot of violence out there and we hear about gun violence often. It's not the gun. I read about a violent crime spree in a foreign land that forbid guns. Many (around 10) people were killed during this violent rampage. The bad guy used a knife! It's not the gun. I AM IN FAVOR OF CONCEALED CARRY.

I fully support a statewide concealed carry law. There are only two states left in which it is illegal, Illinois and Wisconsin. Criminals will have their guns, period. ALL law abiding Americans should have the right to protect themselves against armed violence.

What the opponents to concealed carry do not understand is that not just anyone can purchase a handgun, slip it in their pocket or purse, and go around enacting "justice" like the old west. To carry a concealed weapon lawfully, one must first apply and receive a firearms owner identification card (FOID) from the Illinois State Police. The agency performs a background check before issuing a FOID card. Criminals will not bother to apply.

Then one must receive certification from a firearms training course, which in some states is a 5-day course. Only after receiving very thorough training in firearms safety, target acquisition, and moral/ethical choices on when to use a firearm in defense, is one allowed a certification (CCW permit) to lawfully carry a concealed weapon. Criminals will not receive this training. CCW carriers are much better trained with their weapons than any criminal.

Doubtful that anyone on a golf course would be subjected to an armed robbery when the golfers are treined firearms owners!

Let's see if we can figure this complicated concealed carry issue out. The robbers can carry guns because they don't care about any gun laws or any laws in general, I'd say. The victims can't carry guns, or rather they won't, because they normally follow the law. So, being law abiding citizens they go about unprotected in unprotected areas. The robbers know their victims don't carry a gun, and they know when they are in unprotected areas, so they know they're victims are easy prey, like the golfer at Newman. You can make an argument that we have police protection for our safety, but how many robbers commit their crimes in view of a policeman? Even the guy at Newman couldn't count on all those off-duty police golfers for protection. You might say we need stricter gun laws but re-read the beginning of this comment and tell me who exactly are these laws helping? Well, how about giving us victims a chance for once people.

The Journal Star only published a portion of the vote. If you were to add the vote to have the state state wide only percentage to the 48% for Peoria it would be 74% in favor. JStar slants the results to makes it look like there is less than 50% for concealed carry laws. Publish all the percentages!!!
Let's look at the Chicago area. It is against the law to even own a weapon if you live in Chicago. How many people have been killed there this year? The news the other day indicated that there were 27 youth killed in Chicago this year and weapons are against the law!!!!!
There are 48 of the 50 states that have the right to concealed carry providing that person take classes and goes thru a background check.
Do I live in a state that thinks that 48 states do not know what is right?
If properly run, I am in favor of having Peoria become a test sight for concealed carry and then have the state to pass this law also.
I live in Chillicothe, so maybe that law (trial) could also include us!!!

I have had a concealed carry permit in Florida since 1993. Part of being able to obtain the permit was an FBI check with proof of an ability to handle a firearm safely, ie., a sheriff's safety course or a DD 214 military discharge. It is a fact that when law abiding people are allowed to legally carry a firearm the violent crimes committed with a firearm are reduced, because the perp knows his "victim" can potentially defend him/her self. I'm in favor of Mayor Ardis coming to grips with a problem and using his common sense to resolve same. Stop allowing Chicago with their 8 drive-by shootings this week to dictate public safety when Daley, et.all can't protect their citizens.

John Egan
Orlando, FL

I have the following questions regarding the conceal and carry legislation and trial:
1) Why would the trial only be for Peoria City if the Peoria County Sheriff is a professed proponet of it as well? Why wouldn't Peoria County take part?
2) If this trial were to occur in Peoria City, would that mean that persons could only carry and conceal their weapon within city limits?
3) What if a person when out and about travels beyond the city limits to county jurisdiction and there is need for him/her to display and/or use this weapon toward another if there is perceived threat? How would law enforcement respond to this?
4) Would a conceal and carry permit be required? If yes, who would administer these permits and collect any fees for acquiring such?
5) Would anyone who possesses a FOID card be able to conceal and carry?
6) What would the proposed restrictions be for conceal and carry?

I had to use my firearm against a madman last year in Florida, where carry is permited, and it saved me and my girlfriends life. Thankfully I wasnt in Illinois or I wouldn't be writing this comment. Us law abiding citizens need to be able to protect the lives of not only our family, but the lives of the community. Peoria and the whole state of Illinois needs to get on the ball and join the other 48 states with some concealed carry legislation ASAP!

The comments I have read are fine some are way off. The one that stated"if we have the right to carry crimminals will carry" HELLO they already do. If the honest and legal people could carry they would have protection against the bad guys that carry any way. Some people should wake up 48 states have the right to carry when will Illinois step up and get into the 21st century. They took the guns away from the Aussies and look what happened crime went thru the roof. The bad ones did not turn their guns again.

Thanks I could go on for hours.

Ron B

It seems that Chicago politicians like to dictate law for all of Illinois. They have a BAN on hanguns and some of the most stringent gun laws yet have one of the highest murder rates in the country. 48 States allow concealed carry. Responsible citizens have every right to defend themselves. I agree with Mayor Ardis and applaude his decision to move concealed carry forward. I have had enough of Chicago politics.

77% favor conceal/carry , only 23% oppose it (downstate.) So why can't we have it ?

"America is not a democracy. We use the democratic process to elect poiticians. In a democracy, 51% of the voters get to rule over the remaining 49%. In America, democratic elections are about determining who the next dictators will be. The winners get to bully the losers. "

If the 2nd amendment prohibits govt from regulating gun possession then why is it we can't carry a loaded concealed handgun on our body while in the public ? Because our dictators are bullies and law-breakers. And if we violate any of their laws (democratically created) they can put us in jail.

Fact: Guns will never, ever go away. Fact: The police are here to protect and serve but they are reactive not pro-active. They cannot assume that someone will commit a violent crime with a deadly weapon and then arrest them. The criminal has to commit the crime first and that may be too late. In Washington, DC, it was illegal to own any type of fire not even a hunting rifle or shotgun. It was and maybe still is the murder capitol of the USA. In this country, two and a half million times a year a person protects their family, themselves and/or their property because they own a firearm - check the facts if you will.

Every state that has enacted the Right To Carry has seen their crime rate drop. Many persons who would qualify for the right will not take the opportunity to apply, for many reasons, but the bad guys do not know that. They will never know if the person that they may chose to rob, challenge, threaten, etc. is carrying or not. That alone will give them pause. I am a life member of the NRA and have taken training but I would be willing to take additional training to get the Right To Carry.

I applaud Mayor Ardis for taking this stand but I cannot help wonder why the politicians want this to be a test case, with time and money spent, since every state but two have already passed the Right To Carry. Hundreds if not thousands of communities and cities have already been through this so why not look at their results!

The former Governor and I guess the present governor plus the Mayor of Chicago, and many federal politicians, all who are opposed to this, have some form of armed security but do not want us, the citizens, to have the same security - I wonder why. Any government who is afraid of its armed citizens is a government that cannot be trusted. There are tens of millions of honest-law abiding American citizens who own firearms and not one of them killed anyone yesterday - think about it.

I have lived in two states that had the Right To Carry, one that had that right long before I lived there in 1958. There were never any shootouts at high noon in the middle of Main Street. It does not happen! I have a friend to whom I spoke about this some years ago and was/is opposed to the Right To Carry. He said that the people of this state could not handle this responsibility. That must mean that we are all too stupid, ignorant or dim-witted to be trusted to have this right.

It is freighting, but today in Washington there is an administration, and all too many in Congress, that would destroy the second Amendment given the chance. “The Right Of The People To Keep and Bear Arms Shall Not Be Infringed!” What part of that do they not understand?

The bigger question is why they wish that it didn’t exist. If no one in this country had the right to own firearms, the only ones who would, would be government employees, county, city, state, conservation officers, federal people, the military and of course the bad guys.

I want to level the playing field. Since 1973 I have lived in Northwest Peoria area for 23 years and until the last few years have felt relatively safe. Not any more. I am 70 years old and I should not have to worry about being home and my doors barricaded before dark (or even before). I would not hesitate to use a gun if my life was being threatened. I would feel much safer and the "bad guys" would think twice not knowing who had some protection (equilizer) and who didn't. Before moving to Peoria, during my 70 years, I have had a gun pointed in my face during a robbery and my home was shot into during riots in Memphis, so I know what it feels like.

I commend Mayor Ardis. He is in touch with reality here in Peoria. I feel this is something we need. I have a gun and know how to use it.

I'm glad that Mayor Jim Ardis understands the concept of CCW permits. I believe if Springfield does pass legislation for Peoria for CCW, Mayor Ardis should do as Mayor Daley and pass a city ordinance over-ruling the state of Illinois and the US 2nd Amendment. If Mayor Daley is able to get away with forbiding government rights and rules to apply to Chicago, then Mayor Ardis should be able to do the same with CCW. In fact all the surrounnding Cities should join the fight for CCW and maybe the State of Illinois will have no choice but to allow CCW.
As a Chicago citizen I wait for the day that Chicago's handgun ban gets overturn and Mayor Daley is no longer considered the mayor.

Javier/26yo/hispanic Chicago, IL

I like the idea of reveal and carry not conceal and carry.

Jim Evers, Your points and accuracy of information are spot on. I can only hope Mayor Ardis is employing liberal tactics of the frog in the pot theory. Start with one city and step by step other cities to will want to enjoy the comfort and security that come with self responsibilty. I really hope that this does become fact and not fantasy. I support it 100%.

this law reminds of an episode of the sitcom series, ALL IN THE FAMILY, Archie Bunkers idea on eliminating sky jacks of aircraft flying into and outside the US, his idea of arming all the passengers boarding an airplane to anywhere, that way if a skyjacker attempted to high jack the plane all the passengers could pull out the weapon (pistol) that the airline issued to you and shoot the highjacker. gee, just think what kind of fun you could have with that, the person next to you hoging the armrest that sits between you and him, you could just blow him away. or the flight attendent getting smart mouth with you or just rude, blow her away. problem solved.

The only thing more dangerous than a criminal with a gun is the mindset of the people in Peoria.

To those that are against conceal carry here is a little information on it.

48 states have conceal carry. Do you hear fender benders or as you say rednecks shooting it out?

Here in Rockford Conceal Carry is very active. I would guess 10% of the population carrry. Of course those are the criminals who are not allowed to even have weapons. They don't obey the laws as it is.

It's time for Illinois to do as 48 other states do. By the way the other state is Wisconson, and they allow Open Carry as of this year.

If Mayor Ardis keeps advocating common sense proposals like this, I might just have to move back into the city of Peoria so I can support him with my vote. A right-to-carry law in Illinois is long overdue. The comments I've read in here from the people who oppose this make it clear that these individuals either lack a fundamental understanding of the situation or are simply operating under terribly distorted stereotypes of the types of individuals who may be interested in legally carrying a firearm. I'd prefer to see this offered statewide, but if the only way to get that going is to have Mayor Ardis crack the door open in Peoria, then let's go for it. Thank you Mayor Ardis for stepping up and taking the lead on this!

For those against Conceal Carry there is just a bit of information about Chicago where there is a TOTAL ban on handguns. Legal Law abiding citizens can't carry, criminals can.

Chicago's Handgun Ban Crime Report: June 1-13, 2009 (from the Chicago Tribune Breaking News)

"Chicago has a complete ban on handguns, but crimes committed with firearms continues, and the law abiding citizens are left defenseless." -ACOCHICAGO

Man killed at social club during robbery in Chicago: http://tinyurl.com/n779s8

Nanny keeps burglar at bay with pellet gun (Illinois): http://tinyurl.com/pv4hcj

Chicago cops: Drug suspect shot after car hits 3 officers: http://tinyurl.com/p2cbvr

2 killed in separate South Side shootings in Chicago: http://tinyurl.com/ltkttz

2 shot to death on South, West Sides in Chicago: http://bit.ly/1Oc3r

2 men shot, 1 fatally, outside DuSable H.S. in Chicago: http://bit.ly/jj3tM

Chicago police exchange gunfire after dog attack: http://bit.ly/qBrBk

Man surrenders to cops after 2 shot on W. Side in Chicago: http://tinyurl.com/mm7ry3

Woman fatally stabbed in Chicago Heights: http://bit.ly/j000y

Man dies after SW Side shooting, dragging in Chicago: http://bit.ly/agLlX

Hanover Park, Illinois reeling from spate of homicides: http://bit.ly/QK6IS

Man dies in Far South Side drive-by shooting in Chicago: http://bit.ly/D6bJc

Chicago crime down 8 percent from last year (BELIEVE IT OR NOT!): http://tinyurl.com/qogb9s

Police: Man holds woman and child at gun point in Waukegan: http://tinyurl.com/mm8o42

Man shot dead in West Chatham in Chicago: http://bit.ly/fCTSB

Murder charges in 4th Hanover Park, Illinois homicide: http://tinyurl.com/nxz6t6

Man shot dead on Far South Side porch in Chicago: http://bit.ly/uGeU9

Man beaten and robbed dies of injuries in Chicago: http://tinyurl.com/n2rtbm

'Brave individual' helps Chicago police with arrest: http://tinyurl.com/m82n56

Three injured in two South Side shootings in Chicago: http://tinyurl.com/mrzztx

Austin man charged with pointing gun at Chicago cops: http://bit.ly/uQe60

Man charged with trying to carjack Chicago cop: http://bit.ly/11DjGx

Third auto parts store hit by robbers in Chicago: http://tinyurl.com/lp38cd

Cops: Man shot in head in police chase in Chicago: http://bit.ly/cFke5

2 shot on sidewalk on South Side in Chicago: http://bit.ly/nh0YI

Chicago police shoot man on West Side: http://bit.ly/16xwZd

The Second Amendment says your right to carry a weapon shall not be infringed; which mean to me: Not prohibited, regulated, restricted, licensed, taxed or qustioned by anyone. It's your right and choice by the Bill of Rights.

Are you serious???
2009-05-29 10:28:50 ET
I am thinking that this would not be a good idea at all. What about all the criminals that use guns in their crimes? If this law is passed then that means that they can start carrying their weapons concealed. Peoria has enough problems as it is, and they want to add the concealment law to it? This is absolutely insane.

Hello, what fairytale land do you live in princess. They are carrying a concealed weapon now illegally. and they still will. but your daddy will have one on him if this law is passed so he can shoot the bad terrible scumbag before he kills or rapes you. good lord have mercy.

Anyone who is against concealed carry permit do not understand how much safer this state would be. It would make the criminals who want to rob you,rape you,assult you or even kill you THINK TWICE. I know if I was to run up on someone with intent to rob or grab a purse I would be thinking that this person could have a gun concealed and that would definitly change my mind.As far as anyone getting a concealed permit that will not happen,any kind of criminal record would stop you from getting the permit. With criminals having guns anyway reguardless what kind of laws are in affect,I sure would feel safer being a law abiding citizen and having a choice to carry a concealed weapon for my protection and to protect my family,I should have that right.Check out all the states that have this law in affect,there crime rates have dropped from 1% to 20% thats every state that has the concealed law,some states have a law where you have to carry the gun in plain site for all to see,my son lives in Tenn. where a open carry permit is the law and there crime rate has dropped over 20%,Please the state of Il. needs this law, it is a no brainer as far as I am concerned,
Thank You Rick

I can't beleave how some still think that everyone will be able to carry concealed. Also, it has to be statewide. Or else a trip down the highway would mean being in areas that outlaw carry.

I was born and raised in East Peoria and lived there until 1976 but now reside in Fort Worth, TX. I would like to buy a second home in the Peoria area to make it easier when my wife and I visit my family still living in the Peoria area. I will not however purchase a home or condo in any state that does not allow concealed carry. We have very stringent carry laws here in Texas that require a minimum ten hour class on gun safety, Texas gun laws, and handgun proficiency. There is also a required FBI criminal check complete with finger prints and a photograph. The law requires that these carry permits be renewed every six years by taking another class and proficiency test.

My question to all of you is this: How many criminals in Illinois follow these rules? You can take that as a rhetorical question or sarcasm, whichever fits your mindset. The simple fact is that many of the Chicago liberals consider Texas to still be the "Wild West", we are quite civilized here and are afforded our Constitutional Right to protect ourselves. Wake up Downstate Illinois and take the power away from Chicago. They do not have your best interest in mind. Maybe that way I will feel safer when I visit my family in Tazewell and Woodford Counties.

What I worry about are careless people leaving loaded guns under the car seat, in the glove compartment and in purses when children can pick them up. This happens way too often already. I don't want a gun on me or in my house. Most of the shootings in Peoria are drug dealers getting even with another gang member. I just don't see where more guns are the answer.

for one for those that dont know, there shouldn't have to be a poll let alone a test.
we already have a law and right to carry concealed weapons. its called the 2nd amendment of the us constitution. and i also would like to see an apology from that nazi pastor about criminalizing the people of peoria "wild west", assuming that we that want to use and practice our constitutional right are crazies that cant be trusted to defend ourselves.
that gas station clerk getting shot could have been prevented if he were able to carry a gun which is our right. who would rob a bank etc. if the robber knew every citizen in the bank could be carrying a gun?? crime would go down immensely. ya see people gun control only effects us citizens not the criminals, they can get weapons by other means. just use your brains.

My concern for the safety of my family is the underlying reason for my support of Mayor Ardis's proposal and the passage of the conceal and carry law. No statistics available can prove that states with the conceal carry law are replete with lawless "wild west shootout" scenarios. Conversly, if one realizes the deterent effect of this law it would appear to merit serious consideration. I would appeal to the reasonable citizens of Illinois toward an appropriate answer to stopping the thugs of our state.

just look at texas

yeah lance, texas is great! at least they have the choice to feel safer and less vulnerable to personal atttacks. it's been proven over and over again, one is much less likely to be approached criminally if you are known or suspected of carrying a concealed weapon. it's prettty simple, don't you think. but those in control want to remian in control and if people own guns by the millions, then a governement overthrow could be possible. heaven forbid, of course. ha! the government is supposed to fear US, not us fear THEM. but yes, i would love to see the crime drop in peoria for the duration of the test and where do we sign up?!!