Safety concerns fuel debate over concealed firearms in Fresno government buildings
FRENSO (KFSN) -- A recent attack on a senior prosecutor outside the Fresno County Courthouse and an earlier incident at Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz's home have renewed concerns about the safety of public employees and sparked debate over whether certain city attorneys should be allowed to carry firearms inside municipal buildings.
Last week's targeted attack outside the courthouse raised alarm among government officials. Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp later confirmed that 42-year-old Dustin Crawford singled out an attorney connected to a decade-old case and stabbed him three times.
Janz pointed to a separate incident in May, when he said he awoke at about 3:30 a.m. to find a knife-wielding intruder ringing his doorbell. The individual then hopped a backyard fence and banged on the back door before law enforcement arrived.
"We've seen threats ongoing to those who work for the public," Janz said.
Following the incident, Janz is advocating for himself and qualified city legal staff to be allowed to bring firearms into municipal buildings if they possess concealed-carry permits.
"I want criminals when they visit that courthouse to be aware that prosecutors have the ability to carry firearms," Janz said.
Supporters of the proposal argue that public servants should not be left vulnerable to people who may intend harm. Opponents, however, contend that introducing firearms into high-stress government environments could increase risks during already tense situations.
"When it comes to the security of a building, we have to be very thoughtful in having the conversation," Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias said.
Attorneys already have the right to carry concealed firearms in public. The issue under consideration is whether they should be permitted to carry them inside city buildings.
The decision would rest with the Fresno City Council. Arias, who said he has received several death threats during his time on the council, said he does not support the proposal and believes the question should not be under consideration.
"You want to be thoughtful about introducing any weapons into an already sensitive and intense environment when it comes to our city employees, and if we do this, we have to be thoughtful of all of our employees," Arias said.
Meanwhile, the individual accused of entering Janz's property in May was issued a five-year restraining order.
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