PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland City Councilor Loretta Smith has now reversed course after putting forth a controversial plan to allow city councilors to openly carry a firearm while conducting city business.
First reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting, Smith previously told the outletshe had drafted the proposal to let councilors carry guns, noting the actions of protesters Wednesday night made her feel unsafe.
“It’s a defensive mechanism,” Smith told OPB on Thursday. “If people know that you’re a serious person and you’re going to protect yourself they’re not going to be as quick to mess with you.”
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Wednesday night, officials said that there were up to 40 people inside the council chambers and another 10-15 blocking the front door, and they were all notified they were trespassing, but refused to leave…