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NRA Convention: Police issue traffic alerts, share gun laws, safety tips

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Tens of thousands of people including the president and vice president are expected for the NRA Convention that began Thursday. 

That means some traffic closures are ahead, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said in a news release issued Thursday.

In addition, police on Thursday afternoon issued a separate news release with a reminder of Indiana laws for carrying guns and tips for gun safety. 

The NRA Convention was last in Indianapolis in 2014. That event drew about 75,000 people. The convention is expected to deposit $55 million into the local economy over the next three days. 

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will speak Friday will speak at the NRA Institute for Legislative Action Leadership Forum for the second straight year.

First, the traffic. IMPD Officer Genae Cook of the public affairs division outlined these traffic closures and limitations:

  • There will be closures of Interstate 70 between I-465 and downtown. Eastbound I-70 will be diverted to I-465 north and south. Westbound I-70 will be diverted to I-65 south or north.
  • Access to Indianapolis International Airport will remain uninterrupted, but access to I-70 West should be made via I-465 to I-70 westbound to airport terminal.
  • The most likely delays will be from 10-11:30 a.m. for eastbound I-70 restrictions and 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for westbound I-70 closures.
  • We expect possible delays and closures throughout the downtown area until 6:30 p.m. 

Second, the guns.

IMPD noted people must have an Indiana license to carry a handgun in public. The application process can be started on the Indiana State Police website. But don’t to get an immediate license, as the website notes it sends out approved licenses by mail. No license is required to carry a rifle or shotgun in public.

IMPD also said owners of private property have the right to determine whether firearms are permitted on that property.

Indiana law does not distinguish between the open carry and concealed carry of firearms.

IMPD also issued these gun safety tips:

  • Do not leave a firearm in an unoccupied vehicle. Store your firearms in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault, or storage case when not in use, ensuring they are in a location inaccessible by children and cannot be handled by anyone without your permission. If you are carrying a firearm, secure it in a holster that covers the trigger and trigger guard.
  • Always keep the firearm’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction. A “safe direction” means the gun is pointed so that even if an accidental discharge occurred, it would not result in injury.
  • Firearms should be unloaded when not in use. Whenever you pick up a gun, such as when removing it from or returning it to storage, remember to point it in a safe direction and make sure it is unloaded. It is also recommended to use a gun lock when the firearm is not in use. This should not be a substitute for secure storage.