National Faith Leaders Support Cleveland Police Union Call to Suspend Open Carry During Republican Convention
Rev. Rob Schenck and Rev. Patrick Mahoney will be calling on clergy from around the State of Ohio to share their concerns with Governor Kasich, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish and Council President Dan Brady
Contact: Rev. Rob Schenck, 202-656-1252; Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741
WASHINGTON, July 17, 2016 /
Christian Newswire/ -- The Reverends Rob Schenck and Patrick Mahoney have joined with Stephen Loomis, president of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association, in calling on local and state officials in Ohio to temporarily suspend open carry of weapons during the Republican National Convention.
"There is no way for an officer to determine the intentions of someone that comes into the area of the convention with a weapon on his or her body," said Rev. Schenck.
"Given recent events, police are under extreme pressure and must give their undivided attention to public safety. Inviting the general public to bring lethal weapons into an already tense situation is not wise or good. There are times when good judgment overrides personal privilege. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, but not to explicitly brandish them. Prudence would say we should yield to the judgment of Mr. Loomis on this question."
Schenck will be present at the Republican Convention this week.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition and Pastor of Church on the Hill in Washington, D.C. said, "As Christian clergy and persons of faith, one of our greatest concerns is ensuring that all our citizens are protected from violence and fear. We must always be diligent in working to establish an atmosphere of peace and safety. In light of recent events involving gun violence across our nation, we support the decision of the Cleveland Patrolmen's Association to call on government officials to suspend the 'open carry' law during the RNC this week.
"Jesus says, 'Blessed are the peacemakers,' and we believe the best way to ensure peace and see there are no acts of gun violence, is creating an environment in which guns would not be readily available in such a highly emotionally charged situation as the Republican National Convention. This is not a permanent ban on guns and follows the common sense and measured recommendations of local law enforcement. It is stunning that tennis balls are prohibited from the Event Zone in Cleveland but not firearms which can take the lives of scores of innocent people."
For more information or interviews contact:
Rev. Rob Schenck 202.656.1252
Rev. Patrick Mahoney 540.538.4741
