Gun Group Calls on DNC to Give Up Armed Security

Most DNC events will occur at the Wells Fargo Center.

A pro-gun group is calling on Democrats to give up armed security — such as police and Secret Service — at this summer’s Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

“If a political party believes that guns do not make us safer they should set an example by rejecting any and all forms of armed security at their national convention,” Alan Gottlieb, chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, said in a press release. “A party that does not believe in the right of individual citizens to keep and bear arms should not benefit from the safety provided by others who bear arms.”

Democrats aren’t the only party to face a challenge from gun advocates. Activists have called on Republicans to allow delegates to carry guns into the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this summer; the Secret Service said last week it would not allow that to happen.

A spokesman for that agency told The Hill “only authorized law enforcement personnel” would be allowed to carry firearms at the GOP event.

“Individuals determined to be carrying firearms will not be allowed past a predetermined outer perimeter checkpoint, regardless of whether they possess a ticket to the event,” the spokesman said.

Philadelphia has applied for a $50 million security grant from the federal government to help pay the costs of security and safety at the DNC; officials here have declined to be specific about their security plans.

The Democratic National Convention is scheduled for July 25-28.