Paulding Sheriff Clarifies Firearm Law on Silver Comet Trail

The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office sent out the following press release to clarify the law regarding carrying a firearm on the Silver Comet Trail:

In the days since the attack on Tina Waddell which occurred on the Silver Comet Trail on July 29, 2014, there has been much discussion regarding whether or not citizens can legally carry a firearm on the Silver Comet Trail.

Social Media sites have had people spreading misinformation back and forth.

After speaking with County Attorney Jayson Phillips and reviewing the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA), Sheriff Gary Gulledge decided it was time for everyone to know what the law actually says.

In short, any citizen who has a valid Georgia Weapons Carry License is allowed to carry a firearm on the Silver Comet Trail. The below listed code section OCGA 16-

11-126 applies to the Silver Comet Trail:

(g) Notwithstanding Code Sections 12-3-10, 27-3-1.1, 27-3-6, and 16-12-122 through 16-12-127, any person with a valid weapons carry license may carry a weapon in all parks, historic sites, or recreational areas, as such term is defined in Code Section 12-3-10, including all publicly owned buildings located in such parks, historic sites, and recreational areas, in wildlife management areas, and on public transportation; provided, however, that a person shall not carry a handgun into a place where it is prohibited by federal law.

If a person does not have a valid Georgia Weapons Carry License then they are not eligible to carry a firearm on the Silver Comet Trail and are essentially in violation of Georgia law.

If anyone has any questions regarding the firearm laws in Georgia, please contact the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at 770-443-3010. If you are interested in obtaining a Georgia Weapons Carry License you can contact the Paulding County Probate Court at 770-443-7541.

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>> Photos of Silver Comet Trail Victim Released By Family

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