Attendees at the Kings Gun & Archery Center’s New Shooter class learn trigger discipline and how to properly hold an unloaded Walther. 22 pistol in this 2018 file photo by Edward Smith
published on September 9, 2026 – 2:49 PM
Written by Frank Lopez
Certain Fresno County prosecutors and investigators could be allowed to carry concealed firearms on county property under an ordinance the Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to advance.
The amendments would revise county rules governing firearms and other personal defense items on county property.
Under the proposed changes, the Fresno County district attorney, if licensed to carry a concealed weapon, would be permitted to possess a firearm on county property. District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp would also have authority to allow prosecutors and special investigators with concealed carry licenses to possess firearms on county property.
District Attorney’s Office employees could also carry pepper spray or Tasers when expressly authorized in writing by the district attorney.
The proposal follows the Aug. 20 stabbing of a Fresno County prosecutor in Courthouse Park in Downtown Fresno. Authorities have described the attack as targeted.
Smittcamp said during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting that the prosecutor has recovered and returned to work.
Smittcamp stressed that employees who carry concealed firearms must be properly trained and educated.
She also raised concerns about safety for prosecutors and other county employees in Downtown Fresno and said she receives about two threats against her life each month.
Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said there are about 15,000 active concealed carry permits in the county.
“We do need to protect these [county employees] individuals,” Zanoni said. “The DA’s are out there prosecuting homicide cases and M.A.G.E.C. [Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium], cases. I think we all know that any of us in the public eye, whether you’re a sheriff, a board supervisor or the district attorney — we all have incidents that occur … and we all need to be able to protect ourselves.”
Zanoni said public awareness that employees may be armed and able to protect themselves could also deter threats against them.
County officials said the ordinance changes would not increase net county costs.
The ordinance is scheduled to return to the Board of Supervisors for a second hearing Sept. 22. If passed, the changes would take effect 30 days later.