Nebraska gun owners group criticizes Lincoln and Omaha executive orders

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska Firearms Owners Association say gun bans in Lincoln and Omaha are putting people in danger.

Earlier this month, Nebraska’s permitless concealed carry law went into effect.

At the time, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird signed an executive order continuing the ban of weapons in city buildings, libraries and parks. Omaha’s mayor signed a similar order.

The association said those orders prevent law-abiding gun owners from properly defending themselves.

Nate Griffith, secretary of the association, said sidewalks, parking lots and trails are some of the most common areas for violent crimes.

“In New York City, they regulate firearms in Central Park,” he said. “Central Park becomes a really hazardous place to be. So, it’s a matter of personal safety and the protection of ourselves and others.”

Date from the FBI says highways, alleys, streets and sidewalks are the No. 2 location for violent crimes.

But that data includes all sidewalks; the ban in Lincoln only applies to sidewalks surrounding city-owned buildings.

Multiple scientific articles say more guns do not reduce the amount of crime or make cities safer.

In a statement, Nebraskans for Peace urged Gov. Jim Pillen not to sign LB 77 and supports Gaylor Baird’s executive order.

“Guns carried in public allow for the opportunity for everyday arguments or heated discussions to turn deadly,” the statement said. “We need to make a shift in our gun culture here in the United States and in Nebraska. Nebraskans for Peace encourages all other local municipalities to evaluate whether equipping someone to commit an act of violence has ever put a stop to another act of violence.”

The city has asked people to learn where weapons are prohibited and enroll in a firearm safety course.