Court battle brewing over guns at Atlanta airport
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: AP
The nation's busiest airport is facing off with gun rights advocates over whether a new Georgia state law allows visitors to carry firearms at the international airport in Atlanta.
City officials in charge of the airport declared it a "gun free zone" when the new law took effect today. The airport's general manager says his message is simple: "Leave your firearms at home." Atlanta officials say anyone carrying a gun at the airport could be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.
But gun rights supporters have filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the designation. The new state law allows people with a concealed weapons permit to carry guns into restaurants and state parks, and on public transportation.
Gun advocates argue that the Atlanta airport qualifies as public transportation. They argue weapons should be allowed in the terminal up to the point where passengers pass through security to board their flights.
