Tennessee state legislator says he'll pay for handgun carry permits in wake of Orlando massacre

Andy Holt / AP file photo
Andy Holt / AP file photo

Tennessee state Rep. Andy Holt says he'll buy handgun carry permits for the first five people who contact his office, according to a news release.

Holt, who received threats after offering to give away an AR-15 rifle as a door prize, said he'll cover the cost of the three-year handgun carry permit, though the individuals will have to apply on their own.

"I want people to arm themselves," said Holt. "People need to be prepared, and we've got a situation where government and those on the left are trying to disarm people in the middle of some of the most dangerous times we've faced in decades. It's literally crazy."

The offer, which comes in the wake of the worst mass shooting in U.S. history in an Orlando nightclub, has reignited a long-simmering debate about the role of guns in the U.S.

The violence in Orlando has exposed deep divisions between some on the right who believe more guns in the hands of citizens would secure the country against such massacres, and those on the left who believe that the proliferation of firearms in the U.S. is the cause of such violence.

Holt said he believes that some in the LGBT community "are starting to realize how crazy it is that Democrats want them to be completely defenseless."

Though Holt said he doesn't necessarily agree with the LGBT lifestyle, "I would never have these people become sitting ducks for those that wish them harm," he said in a news release. "That goes for anyone that may disagree with me politically. I want every last person in the state of Tennessee to be prepared to defend themselves should the need arise."

Holt's offer comes as a Tennessee law that allows guns in parks has sparked debate in Chattanooga about whether guns should be allowed at festivals like Riverbend, which at present are legally obligated to allow properly permitted patrons to carry firearms inside the gates - though guests may not consume alcohol while carrying guns.

Holt is a Republican state representative for Tennessee's 76th district, which includes Weakley county, as well as parts of Carroll county and Obion county.

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