“Make no mistake, we are staunch supporters of the Second Amendment. We feel, however, that the enactment of SB 656, specifically the allowance of giving anyone not currently prohibited from possessing a firearm the ability to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, will cost not only citizen lives but will also be extremely dangerous to law enforcement officers,” said Missouri FOP Executive Director Kevin Ahlbrand.

Becky Morgan of the Missouri Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America said her group also is dedicated to keeping the veto intact.

The National Rifle Association condemned Nixon’s decision, saying the proposal was designed to help people protect themselves.

“If events in Orlando and San Bernardino have taught us anything it’s that the need for self-protection can occur anywhere at any time,” said Lacey Biles, director of NRA State and Local Affairs. “With this veto, Gov. Nixon proves he is more concerned about scoring political points with out-of-state gun control groups than securing the safety of law-abiding Missourians.”

The measure also quickly became fodder for the campaign trail, heading toward the Aug. 2 primary election.