JUDGE REUE BANS OPEN CARRY

  

A judge in Washington County has banned open carry of handguns in areas of the courthouse where he conducts business.

County Court at Law Judge Matthew Reue (Roy) says he’s decided he won’t allow open carry, but concealed weapons won’t be banned.

Reue, signed the order Thursday, saying that he was banning open carry from the second floor hallway because it “may have a chilling effect upon witnesses and parties” but would allow concealed carry there.

Commissioners Tuesday held a workshop on the new open carry law that went into effect Jan. 1.

According to the new law, open carry is prohibited in courtrooms or space that is declared as essential to a court’s operation.  But other “premises” is open to a broad interpretation.

Reue’s order also states there are “no security measures in place at this time to prevent the carrying of weapons into the courthouse”.

Reue’s order also says that, “The possible presence of legally permitted concealed weapon carriers may deter a potential active shooter, and the presence of legally permitted concealed weapon carriers can provide a line of defense in those first critical moments of an active shooter situation.”