FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno County is moving closer to allowing some prosecutors to carry guns at work, less than three weeks after a prosecutor was stabbed in Courthouse Park.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously advanced the change Tuesday.
Under the proposal, prosecutors and special investigators with concealed-carry licenses could carry firearms on county property with written approval from District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.
Smittcamp told supervisors the prosecutor injured in the Aug. 20 attack has returned to work.
“It’s been a rough few weeks for us at the DA’s office,” Smittcamp said. “We’re doing our best to heal.”
One hurdle remains: the courthouse has separate weapons rules.
Sheriff John Zanoni said he is working with court leaders on how prosecutors could safely store their firearms before entering.
“I don’t know if we have enough lockers at this time,” Zanoni said. “So we’re looking at that.”
Smittcamp said arming some prosecutors is only part of the solution and called for increased courthouse security.
The ordinance returns for a second hearing Sept. 22. If approved, it would take effect 30 days later.