Iredell Commissioners Consider Allowing Concealed Carry Guns for County Employees

STATESVILLE, NC – Iredell County Commissioners are considering a plan to allow government workers to carry concealed guns in the office.

They got pushback from current and former county employees during a public hearing Tuesday night.

“That is opening the Pandora’s Box. We’re not living in the wild, wild west,” said Robin Williams. “What if the employees get into a disagreement, over a situation whatever it may be? There again someone could go and get their weapon out and use it.”

The proposal is an amendment to the county’s personnel ordinance. Employees would have to qualify under the law for conceal carry and go through additional training from the county.

“I always worry about the folks that a gun makes ’em feel a little more braver a little bigger guy,” says county employee David Lambert.

Lambert says he worries about disgruntled employees or workplace retaliation.

“We’ve had a few situations that as a department head, I felt it could go one way or the other,” he says.

Commissioners in support argue the proposal is part of a long, deliberate process to increase security in county buildings. Discussions, they say, started two years ago and they will take all input into consideration.

They also argue it evens the playing field.

“The general public can come into our facilities. They can carry concealed. They can actually carry open carry as well because we don’t have any policy or any ordinance prohibiting that,” said Deputy County Manager Beth Jones.

Commissioners say it will be several months before they make a decision.