A group of American politicians are seeking to reinstate a ban on carrying loaded firearms in America’s national parks.
The move was prompted by the shooting murder last month of Mt. Rainier National Park ranger Margaret Anderson.
“The dreadful and deeply saddening event that occurred on Mt. Rainier makes me question why on earth people should be allowed to carry loaded weapons in our national parks,” said Democratic Congressman Jim McDermott, who is behind the move to change the relevant legislation.
“Millions of families visit our national park historic sites and monuments every year to see our nationally protected sanctuaries and learn about our nation’s history,” said McDermott. “Why anyone should need or be allowed to carry a loaded firearm in our national parks simply doesn’t occur to me.”
Advocates for loaded guns have cited such dangers as encounters with grizzly bears in the back country of national parks … however an association of National Park Service retirees says that statistically there is a greater chance that visitors will be struck by lightning.
It is only two years since the rules were changed to allow visitors to US parks to openly carry weapons in parks. Previously, gun owners could bring their weapons into national parks but the firearms had to be unloaded and out of reach.
