By: Ms. Jheri Worldwide
Staff Writer
Dunn, NC – A recent incident at a local grocery store has ignited concerns about the implications of North Carolina's permitless carry law and the importance of responsible firearm handling. On Sunday, August 16th, at approximately 12:15PM, a startling event unfolded at the Carlie C’s grocery store at the East Cumberland location in Dunn, North Carolina.
According to a witness, a loud bang sound echoed through the store, described as "a sledgehammer hitting the ground." Both the witness and the store manager turned to see a 6-foot-2, 250-pound white male retrieving a gun from the floor near the cash register, his groceries clutched in his other hand. The man quickly checked out and left the store.
This incident, while seemingly minor, has resonated deeply within the community. As the witness, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, "The reason I thought it was necessary to tell the story is because North Carolina’s General Assembly has passed a bill that allows for a permitless carry in the state of North Carolina." The new law, which removes the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed handgun, has been a subject of ongoing debate. Proponents argue it upholds Second Amendment rights, while opponents raise concerns about public safety and the potential for increased accidental discharges or misuse of firearms.
The witness emphasized the distinction between responsible gun owners and those who demonstrate a lack of caution: "This is important because there are people handling firearms that are not demonstrating the capability of responsibility for such dangerous weapons. There are plenty of people carrying firearms in our state who handle them with care, responsibility, and the respect that a gun deserves."
The witness drew a clear line regarding the recent incident: "A person who is dropping a firearm on the ground as if it were a bag of chips is not responsible enough to handle a firearm, especially not in public." The discomfort caused by the incident was palpable among shoppers. "Many people in the store were disturbed by this incident," the witness recounted. Discussions in other parts of the community further confirm the impact and discomfort felt by many, beyond just the immediate observers.
The witness underscored the role of state government in safeguarding its citizens: "Our state government has its responsibility to create the laws to protect us. Repealing the necessary permits empowers people to carry guns that perhaps should not be." The sentiment expressed is that those who are tasked with enforcing laws and protecting the community should carry firearms. However, the witness argued strongly against empowering individuals who lack proper firearm handling skills: "People casually grocery shopping who do not know how to properly handle a firearm should not be empowered to own one."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership and reignites the conversation around how best to balance individual rights with public safety in North Carolina.
