Man Sues Atlanta Botanical Gardens Over Open Carry Dispute

A Gwinnett County man who was removed from the Atlanta Botanical Gardens last month for carrying a holstered pistol onto the property is suing the gardens, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.

Phillip Evans, a licensed firearms owner, contacted the gardens in advance of his visit in October to ensure he was allowed to carry his pistol on him inside the facility. The response he received from management led him to believe he would be admitted to the park with his firearm, based on his interpretation of a law passed on July 1 which allows permit holders to carry firearms in public spaces.

Evans, armed with his pistol, visited the garden on Oct. 12 without incident. When he returned a week later with his family, however, he was removed from the property by police. In an e-mail exchange following Evans’ removal from the garden, management claim that only law enforcement personnel can carry weapons on the grounds.

Evans and the gun advocacy group GeorgiaCarry.org filed suit against the gardens on Wednesday.

Should firearms owners with the proper permits be allowed to carry weapons into the Atlanta Botanical Gardens? Tell us in the comments!