VA to Texas veterans: No open carry here

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Photo: U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs Photo: U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close VA to Texas veterans: No open carry here 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN - Open carry is now the law of the land in the Lone Star State, but the federal government is reminding Texan veterans that guns still are not allowed on VA property.

In a reminder posted to the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System website, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs made clear that firearms will remain prohibited at all of the federal agency's sites.

"Texas concealed and open carry handgun laws DO NOT apply to VA property," the alert stated. "No firearms or weapons are allowed on our VA controlled property. Any confiscated firearms will be destroyed and offender will appear before Federal Court. Only certified police officers in the commission of his or her duties may bring a firearm onto VA property."

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Central Texas VA spokesperson Deborah Meyer said the prohibition on firearms extends to all federally-controlled property in the state, not just the VA, but said the posting was simply a reminder to Texans. There was no incident that led to the alert, she confirmed.

The VA operates several dozen hospitals, clinics and centers in Texas.

"We wanted to remind everybody that it still remains the same. Concealed carry is the same as open carry, there's still no firearms on federal property," Meyer said.

The new open carry law allows Texans with a license to carry to openly tote handguns in shoulder or hip holsters. Certain areas, such as public schools, courthouses and polling places, remain off-limits to all weapons, including knives, clubs and brass knuckles. Open carry of long arms -- rifles and shotguns -- is legal in Texas and does not require an owner to have a license to carry.