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Gun rights advocate ‘baffled’ by Valdosta report

Metro ATL

Gun rights advocate ‘baffled’ by Valdosta report

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Illustration of the infamous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Source: Wikimedia commons

Illustration of the infamous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Source: Wikimedia commons

Georgia’s new gun law took effect on July 1 and already there are allegations that it is causing trouble.

The executive director of the state’s leading gun-rights group sees no connection between the new law and the incident reported in Valdosta, Ga.

The Valdosta Daily Times reports that on July 1 police arrested a man after a “misunderstanding” between two customers at a convenience store. Police said a customer was inside the convenience store with a gun on his hip when a second man, who also had a gun on his hip, walked in.

The first customer demanded to see the other man’s license. When he didn’t comply, the first customer pulled his gun out but did not point it at the second customer. To read the full story, click here.

The article doesn’t draw a direct link between the new law and the incident, but notes that it occurred the day that House Bill 60 – the so-called “guns everywhere” law – took effect.

No one – including police – can ask to see a license, according to the new law.

Jerry Henry, executive director of the pro-gun rights group Georgia Carry, said he is baffled by the report.

“I can’t imagine what would possess a guy to approach someone else and demand to see the license,” Henry said.  “If the guy in the store owned the store he can ask because it’s on private property.”

The Valdosta police chief told The Times that he has concerns about the new law creating more misunderstandings involving firearms. Henry dismissed that idea.

“I don’t think it has anything to do with the law,” Henry said.

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