Boseman proposes bill to allow district attorneys to carry concealed weapons in court

Right now, the only people who can carry weapons into a courtroom are sheriff deputies and judges, but new legislation could change that.

Senator Julia Boseman has proposed a bill to allow assistant district attorneys to carry concealed weapons into court.

More than three years ago, an Atlanta, Georgia rape trial turned deadly. The accused rapist allegedly assaulted a deputy, stole her gun, and shot and killed the judge, court reporter and another deputy.

Pender County Assistant District Attorney Joseph Carroll said, “After that happened, my wife wanted me to quit my job as an ADA, and I told her I wouldn’t but I started thinking seriously about ways to protect myself.”

Pender County DA Joseph Bowman spoke with State Senator Julia Boseman about his concerns. Wednesday, she proposed a bill that would allow district attorneys to carry a concealed weapon into the courthouse.

“It came at the request of an ADA who does a lot of prosecuting of domestic violence, I think he’s been threatened on more than one occasion,” said Boseman.

Although it may sound like a good idea, it raises concerns that what happened in Atlanta, could happen here.

Judge Rebecca Blackmore noted, “One of the great concerns about having someone come into the courthouse with a concealed weapon is someone else could take it from them, and harm others.”

New Hanover County Courthouse has metal detectors as you walk through the front door.

New Hanover District Attorney Ben David said, “In the event that this does become law, I will ensure that my ADA’s are trained to properly operate firearms, before they are permitted to carry them in this courthouse.”

This proposal is still in the beginning stages. It still has a ways to go if it’s going to be passed.