Handguns are not allowed on the Parkview Field property as well as Grand Wayne Center and Embassy Theatre during the GOP convention. Staff photo by Rachel Von
INDIANAPOLIS– Hundreds of Republicans attending the GOP State Convention in Fort Wayne this June won’t be able to carry firearms into the event’s primary venues.
It is the first time the party has scheduled its annual convention outside Indianapolis, and a gun ban could cast a shadow over an event that was supposed to be a celebration of Fort Wayne.
Organizers have gone out of the way to attract national speakers to Grand Wayne Center and host Fort Fun Night at Parkview Field as well as a Kenny Loggins concert at Embassy Theatre.
“Oh my gosh. That’s ironical,” said Sen. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City. “It could be a problem for some people but I haven’t heard a lot of angst. Some will be up in arms about it.”
Allen County Republican Party Chairman Steve Shine said all three venues have policies against firearms and he doesn’t expect them to change for the convention.
“That’s the normal policy,” he said, noting he hasn’t heard much about the topic.
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