Hennepin, Ramsey prosecutors won't carry guns on duty
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The prosecutors for Hennepin and Ramsey counties say they won't personally take advantage of a new law that allows county attorneys and assistant county attorneys with permits to carry firearms while on duty.
On Twin Cities Public Television's Almanac program Friday evening Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said he would not carry a firearm. He also said he would not allow guns in his office unless prosecutors came to him with a specific reason.
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman also said he wouldn't carry a firearm.
"I've issued a policy that assistant Hennepin County attorneys will not carry guns, absent extraordinary circumstances," Freeman said. "I don't believe more guns make us safer... I trust law enforcement and the muscles all the time between my nose and my chin to get me out of trouble."
Minnesota legislators passed the law allowing prosecutors to carry guns after Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell was shot and wounded in December by a man he had successfully prosecuted.
The law allows county attorneys to impose restrictions in their own offices.
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