67 State Reps to Governor: Let Guardsmen Carry Guns

Sixty-seven New Hampshire state representatives are calling on Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, to change the state’s policy regarding NH National Guardsmen being able to carry firearms in order to protect themselves from future harm, according to a press statement.

The reps signed a letter that was delivered to the governor on July 23, 2015, requesting a change in policy from no firearms to open or concealed carry, noting that guardsmen have a right of self-protection that the current policy challenges.

“Due to the multi-dimensional threat posed to our nation and our state by various terror groups, including radical Islamic Jihadists, it is our firm opinion that it is imprudent to continue to refuse New Hampshire National Guard personnel their right to arm themselves at their own discretion,” the letter states.

Private citizens started taking up arms at recruiting stations all across the country this week, including here in New Hampshire, in order to ensure that no service member is attacked or harmed.

Reps in Patch communities that signed the letter include Stephen Stepanek of Amherst, Fred Rice of Hampton, Daniel Tamburello, Robert Introne, and Al Baldasaro of Londonderry, Jeanine Notter of Merrimack, Eric Eastman, Donald LeBrun, and David Murotake of Nashua, Carol Bush, who represents North Hampton, Newington, and Portsmouth, and Joseph Sweeney of Salem.