Local leaders debate place for guns in houses of worship

<p>In the wake of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh that left 11 people dead, local leaders are debating how better to protect their communities, and the place for guns in houses of worship.</p>

News 12 Staff

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Oct 29, 2018, 5:21 PM

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Updated 2,217 days ago

In the wake of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh that left 11 people dead, local leaders are debating how better to protect their communities, and the place for guns in houses of worship.

Assemblyman Dov Hikind spoke out in favor of carrying guns into places of worship, describing it as unfortunate but necessary in these times.

Hikind said, "The idea that someone could come in and there's no one in that synagogue or church that can actually react to someone who's about to use guns and is using guns is insane. It makes no sense."

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams suggested Sunday that off-duty police officers bring their guns to places of worship.

Mayor Bill de Blasio disagreed, saying that we should not be suggesting that houses of worship require armed guards for people to feel safe.

The Patrolman’s Benevolent Association has no comment but noted that the choice to carry weapons for off-duty officers is left to the discretion of the individual officer.