Concealed weapon Coverage

State drops proposed rule changes for concealed carry permit instructors

The state is trying to make some changes to the way those classes are conducted and firearms instructors are pushing back. A public meeting was held in Garner on Wednesday.

Shelle Jackson, WRAL reporter

State rules to drop proposed changes for concealed carry safety courses

North Carolina requires conceal carry permit applicants to take a firearms training and safety course. The state is trying to make some changes to the way those classes are conducted and firearms instructors are pushing back.

Changes possible for concealed carry training

State leaders are pushing for more oversight on concealed carry training. Instructors are pushing back, saying what they're asking for is too onerous.

Firearms instructors pushing back against proposed oversight

State officials who are part of the commission are pushing for more oversight on concealed carry training. Instructors are pushing back though saying what they're asking for is too onerous and changes might trickle down and deter some people from going through the proper channels to get a permit.

Ali Ingersoll, WRAL Data Journalist

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Speaker Moore is getting students 'fired up' on campus

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

Editorial: 'A Modest Proposal' for UNC campuses safety

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023 -- Every UNC student must demonstrate they understand gun safety know how to use a firearm. In their freshman year they must take and pass the official Concealed Carry course. A mere eight hours of instruction. Students will be able to carry weapons to confront threats.

The Wrap: NC budget delays, third-party bids and concealed weapons

The week in North Carolina politics from WRAL's NCCapitol team.

Firearms instructors push back on proposed rules for concealed carry permit instructions

There is a new push to revamp the requirements for concealed carry classes in North Carolina.

NC officials want more oversight on concealed-carry training. Gun-rights advocates are suspicious

The state has recently found itself unable to take action against firearms training instructors who allegedly showed up to teach classes drunk, or allowed people to get a concealed carry permit without proving they knew how to use their handgun.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Why NC lawmakers didn't repeal the concealed carry permit

House Bill 189 would have allowed anyone 18 and older who can legally own a gun to carry it concealed without getting a permit from their local sheriff. Sponsor Rep. Keith Kidwell, R-Beaufort County, said the current law requiring a concealed carry permit is unconstitutional.

Major NC gun bill delayed, may be done for legislative session

A bill that would let people carry concealed weapons without a permit was dropped from the House calendar Wednesday, signaling a lack of support. And the Senate's top Republican says now's not the time to pass it.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Bill would loosen rules for carrying a concealed weapon

People would no longer have to pass proficiency tests or background checks -- or prove that they know the rules around self-defense -- to be able to carry concealed weapons, if this bill becomes law.

Concealed carry permits one step closer to becoming optional in North Carolina

North Carolinians would be allowed to carry concealed guns without a permit, under House Bill 189. The bill is opposed by law enforcement, but supported by gun rights activists.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC lawmakers debate getting rid of concealed carry permit requirement

House Bill 189 would get rid of the background check, legal training and firearms proficiency test that North Carolina currently requires to carry a concealed weapon. Instead it would open up concealed carry to anyone who is over 18 and can legally own a gun.

Fact check: Newsom says 'DeSantis' bill' would remove Florida's concealed carry rules

As California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, promoted a new bill restricting who can carry a concealed firearm in his state, he said Florida was moving in the "exact opposite direction." PolitiFact checks his claim.

Yacob Reyes, PolitiFact reporter

GOP-backed NC bill seeks to scrap concealed-carry rules for guns

The Constitutional Carry Act would enable anyone who can legally possess a firearm to also carry it concealed, in public, without needing to pass the test that the state currently requires.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC House passes bill to allow guns at religious services held on school grounds

Republicans in the state House, along with a small number of Democrats, voted to allow people to bring guns to school campuses if they're there for church or another religious service when school isn't in session.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Supreme Court ruling allows for more guns in public in NY, not change to NC's more liberal laws

In most of the country gun owners have little difficulty legally carrying their weapons in public. But that had been harder to do in New York and the handful of states with similar laws.

Central NC sheriffs disagree about value of pistol permit requirement

Wake County Sheriff Gerald Butler is pro status quo. Sheriffs in Johnston and Harnett counties say the permit requirement has got to go.

House's church weapons debate turns theological

A debate over gun rights on church grounds turned theological Thursday in the state House.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau chief

Viral post is wrong about mask, gun laws

Sheriffs across North Carolina are getting phone calls about how North Carolina's mask mandate affects other laws, specifically the ability to carry a concealed weapon.

Law amended to allow concealed carry while wearing mask

A North Carolina law has been amended to allow those with concealed carry permits to do so while wearing a face covering.

NC law modified to allow carrying a handgun while wearing a mask

Under normal circumstances, it is against the law to carry a gun while wearing a mask. However, that law is being suspended until February 2021.

Leslie Moreno, WRAL reporter

Masks and concealed carry rules explained

There has been some confusion about concealed carry laws and wearing masks due to COVID-19. WRAL's Mark Boyle explains.

WakeMed nurse: Kidnapping charge an attempt to tarnish reputation

A man facing kidnapping and sex offense charges was employed as a nurse at WakeMed, according to the hospital.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter