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Mixed Reactions After Museum Of Nature & Science Allows Permitted Concealed Guns

DENVER (CBS4) – People with permits to carry concealed weapons will now be able to bring their guns into the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

The museum has changed its long standing policy banning the weapons. Museum officials say the decision puts the facility's policy in line with Colorado law which allows concealed carry in most places.

"We have to follow the law and the law allows concealed weapons permit holders to bring their weapons into public institutions and we are a public institution," Ed Scholz, DMNS Vice President of Business Operations, told CBS4.

Yet the public has a mixed reaction to the policy change.

"I don't know about that," Natalie Stanley, a museum visitor, told CBS4. "I need to process that for a bit."

Others, like Liz Jense who has a concealed carry permit but didn't bring her gun inside the museum, believe the new rules are an improvement.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
(credit: Jason Hussong)

"I think it's great because you would be safer in a situation if there's an active shooter because then you have people who train and take it seriously," Jense told CBS4.

Henry Haberkamp also has a concealed carry permit. After double-checking with museum staff, he brought his gun inside, concealed in his backpack. He told CBS4 the new rules are an improvement.

"It allows people, like myself, to feel safe in these kinds of environments, just in case," he said. "I have no problem not carrying in an environment, but it's nice that different businesses allow that ability now more and more."

The Denver Art Museum as well as the Denver Zoo already allow people with concealed carry permits to carry their guns at their facilities. Cheryl Seeley was surprised to learn that and isn't so sure it's a good idea.

"I understand it's the law and I think that's a good right to be protected, but at the same time, when we're coming here with our small children … I don't know," Seeley told CBS4. "That's a little concerning."

Scholze said they have received some complaints since their weapons policy changed, but ensures the museum is no less safe than it was before.

"I think there's a misconception out there that perhaps we made this change so that we could be safer and, honestly, this isn't about being less safe or more safe," Scholze said. "I understand there are strong feelings on both sides of the issue and if we had our preference, we'd have no guns ever in the facility, but we have to follow the law."

The museum has security guards on duty at all times.

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