Young Girl Carries AR-15 Into Statehouse

by Shari Dovale

Though it is the most gun-friendly state in the nation, an 11 year old girl carrying an AR-15 into the Idaho statehouse can still raise eyebrows.

Rep. Christy Zito has put forth a bill to expand concealed-carry gun laws to non-residents. House Bill 516 was given a hearing in the State Affairs Committee on Monday morning, February 24th.

The bill would allow visitors to the state of Idaho, 18 and older who can legally possess firearms, to carry a concealed handgun within city limits.

Idahoans believe that we have a natural right to self-defense and the 2nd amendment was intended to protect that right. Forcing Americans to get government permission through a permitting process negates that right and makes it a privilege. This bill eliminates the final restriction in Idaho to require a permit. ~ Rep. Christy Zito

Charles Nielsen intended to testify on behalf of the bill and brought his granddaughter with him to make his point.

“Bailey is carrying a loaded AR-15,” Charles Nielsen told lawmakers. “People live in fear, terrified of that which they do not understand. She’s been shooting since she was 5 years old. She got her first deer with this weapon at 9. She carries it responsibly. She knows how not to put her finger on the trigger. We live in fear in a society that is fed fear on a daily basis.”

The House State Affairs Committee on Monday approved the bill along party lines. It now heads to the Idaho House for a floor vote.

The law currently allows Idaho residents 18 and older to carry a concealed handgun within city limits in Idaho without a permit.

*2/24/20 Edited to include statement from Rep. Zito.

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