March 28, 2024

Iowa county lets employees carry guns in parts of courthouse

SIOUX CITY — Officials in Woodbury county will now allow employees to carry concealed guns to work in the local courthouse and two other county buildings. The move comes as the county board of supervisors tries to abide by a new state law that expands gun rights while also complying with an Iowa Supreme Court order limiting guns in court-controlled areas.

Guns must be concealed and won’t be allowed in courtrooms and a few other areas. Employees can’t leave guns unattended and must keep them on their person at all times, said Supervisor Jeremy Taylor. Guns will also be allowed in Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center and the Trosper Hoyt Building.

Supervisor Rocky De Witt said allowing employees to openly carry guns would send the wrong message to courthouse patrons.

“I think concealed carry is the only method,” De Witt said.

Jackie Smith, a former county supervisor who left office last year, said she believes courthouse employees don’t want guns in their workplace.

“I cannot imagine what this is doing to your employee morale,” Smith said.

The state Supreme Court issued an order in June that only law enforcement can have weapons in courthouses and court-controlled areas.

Sheriff Dave Drew said he wants to continue enforcing the courthouse’s security program, which seeks to keep weapons out. But he said the state Supreme Court order includes enough gray area that he won’t stop the board’s move to allow guns.

The board rescinded a ban on weapons on county property in June, saying it was necessary to comply with the state’s expanded gun rights law. Under the law, citizens don’t have to retreat in a public setting before using deadly force when faced with danger to life or property.