Bill allowing prosecutors to carry firearms out of committee

A Minnesota House committee has approved a bill that would allow county prosecutors carry firearms on the job.

The House Public Safety Committee took the action less than a month after Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell was shot by a man who he prosecuted for criminal sexual conduct. The bill would allow prosecutors to carry gun on the job but forbids them from having guns in court.

Current law bans local government employees from carrying guns. Blue Earth Assistant County Attorney Chris Rovney says he'd like to have the added protection.

"In my particular case, I would have liked to have a gun with me, as I, I would probably drive to the courthouse, even though it's a block, because I'd like to have additional protection," Rovney said. "Then I would be able to leave my gun in the car so I could still follow the mandates of the court, but I cannot do that at this time."

The committee also approved a measure that would increase penalties for anyone who assaults or kills a prosecutor.