The Washington Times said in a report that an association that represents police officers in MInnesota is suing the National Football League regarding the latter's policy on handguns. The sports league has imposed a ban on handguns in stadiums with the exception for those who will provide security detail.
According the lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, off-duty officers who are in stadiums will bot be able to keep this weapons while inside, which could put endanger both the officers and the public. The association also added that the handgun ban also violates the state law.
MyFox9 News said that the state law in question is the Minnesota Citizens Personal Protection Act of 2003, wherein it permits on-duty and off-duty police officers, aside from owners with permits, to carry weapons in public spaces. The news agency said that prior to the implementation of the sports league policy in September last year, all police officers were allowed to carry their guns in stadiums, which include the Metrodome.
The Association said in a news release, "The language of the Minnesota Statute 624.714 demonstrates the legislative intent that permits off-duty licensed police officers the right to keep possession of their firearms in private establishments, particularly sporting facilities like the Metrodome and TCF Bank Stadium."
President of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis John Delmonico said the gun ban was essential in public spaces and in well-attended events like the NFL games. MyFox9 News quoted him as saying, "While off-duty police officers with a weapon will be available to protect the public at a moment's notice, the ability to keep possession of their weapon gives them personal protection against any potential threat. This is critical authority that is granted under Minnesota statute."
When asked for comment about the lawsuit by the Washington Times, NFL had none. However, the local paper cited an October letter addressed to association Executive Director Dennis Flaherty from the chief security officer of the NFL, which said that the sports league believed that by limiting the weapons inside game venues, fans of the league will be safer.
