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McLennan County Commissioners discuss AG ruling

Posted at 12:01 PM, Apr 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-08 20:02:05-04

McLennan County leaders have less than two weeks to decide what they are going to do about the "no weapons" signsoutside of the courthouse.

At a meeting Friday morning, the McLennan County Commissioners decided to allow their attorneys to make the best decision for the county. 

An attorney representing the county told News Channel 25 that they plan on fighting the state's ruling.

On March 30, the Texas Attorney General sent the county judge a letter stating that the signs outside of the courthouse prohibiting weapons in the building are in violation of state law. 

The county has 15 days from the time they received the letter to challenge it or comply.

Several people spoke up about their feelings on the Attorney General's ruling on Friday morning. 

President and founder of Open Carry Texas, CJ Grisham, told the commissioner's court that he believes guns should be allowed in the courthouse.

"When it comes to safety, there is nothing more safe than having law abiding citizens who are lawfully armed in self defense in the immediate vicinity where a crime may occur. So I don't see a safety issue. And if we're going to talk safety I see it as a pro-safety issue," said Grisham.

McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara said he's not against guns and the county isn't trying to take away anyone's second amendment right. 

McNamara said if guns were allowed in the courthouse, it would cost the county a lot of money.

Money wise it costs a lot more. Manpower wise, yes, it would be I feel like an extreme outlay of manpower and money to accomplish what we would need to do to provide safety for our citizens," said McNamara.

According to McNamara, the county would have to add personnel in the courthouse and would also have to provide lock boxes for the weapons outside each court room.

Attorney's representing McLennan Count said they are planning to speak with the Attorney General to see if he will change his mind. They are also prepared to defend litigation or file litigation.

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