Florida Gov. Rick Scott has refused a request to prohibit the carrying of guns in downtown Tampa during the Republican National Convention this summer.
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn had written to Scott asking for an executive order that would override state and federal laws allowing people with concealed weapons permits to carry firearms. He and other officials are worried about people toting guns in such a politically charged atmosphere.
But in a letter dated Tuesday, the Republican governor elected with tea party support said banning guns in all of downtown would infringe on citizens' constitutionally protected rights to legally arm themselves.
Scott wrote "it is unclear how disarming law-abiding citizens would better protect them from the dangers and threats posed by those who would flout the law."
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