Weapons discharge in Indian Trail: Say NO to North Carolina permitless carry law

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed permitless carry legislation currently under consideration in North Carolina. The recent incident at the Carolina Courts facility in Indian Trail, where a referee’s concealed handgun accidentally discharged during a crowded youth sports event, underscores the grave risks of allowing individuals to carry concealed firearms without proper training and permitting. On May 3, 2025, a gun stored in a referee’s gym bag fired while he was searching for other items, sending a bullet into an area occupied by children and parents. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the potential for tragedy was immense. The referee, Ernest Davis, has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm into occupied property. This incident highlights how easily a firearm can be mishandled even by someone trusted to be responsible. Current law requires individuals to obtain a concealed carry permit, which includes background checks and firearm safety training. These safeguards are critical to prevent accidents and ensure that those carrying concealed weapons understand the serious responsibility involved. The proposed permitless carry bill would eliminate these requirements, allowing anyone over 18 to carry concealed firearms without any training or vetting. Removing these safeguards will only increase the likelihood of accidental discharges and unsafe handling of firearms in public spaces, putting innocent citizens, especially children, at risk. The Indian Trail incident is a stark warning that permitless carry could lead to more dangerous situations like this, with potentially fatal consequences. I urge you to oppose any legislation that weakens our state’s concealed carry permitting system. Our community’s safety depends on responsible firearm ownership, which includes proper training and background checks. Please stand against permitless carry and protect North Carolinians from unnecessary harm. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.