Gray Column: Guns on trains -- not a good idea

When I think of guns, I think of hunting or protecting myself, my family or my property. The last thing I think of is the Virginia Rail Express (VRE).

Last week the VRE’s operation board ruled that riders will be able to carry firearms aboard their trains.

This ruling was to comply with Virginia’s Code on firearms. Basically the Virginia law allows citizens, who have no criminal record, to carry weapons in plain view and those with a permit to carry a
concealed weapon.

Obviously, due to the restrictions on firearms in the District, you can’t take the weapon there if you are on the train.

Which brings me to a question: Why did this have to be passed now?

Yes, I know it puts the VRE in compliance with state law. But considering most folks are riding the VRE system going to work or heading into the District, I can’t see the need for this one.

I’m sure someone will write in and enlighten me but for the life of me right now I just can’t see it.

I do find it strange, or just ironic, that during the same week the federal government issues a watch warning for terrorism on mass transit, the VRE allows guns on its trains. The timing is only coincidental
but still, it is ironic.

Now I seriously don’t think the VRE board is trying to put lives in danger. They are just staying compliant with state law. But I have to wonder what is the rush to compliance right now?

Nevertheless, the real problem here should be addressed within the Virginia General Assembly. When the next session begins, a member of the House of Delegates or State Senate needs to introduce
legislation that excludes the VRE from this law.

The General Assembly should do this because they are the only ones who can. State law prohibits localities from making their own laws pertaining to purchase, carrying, transfer, ownership, storage or
transport of firearms or ammunition.

I can only imagine the nightmare scenario of someone getting on the train and forgetting to get off before entering Washington, D.C. They basically go from carrying a firearm legally to doing so illegally,
punishable by D.C. law.

Also there are some specifics that need to be known about how you carry the firearm. Virginia law requires that a person have their firearm holstered on the side or with a shoulder holster.

So you can’t just walk around with the gun in your back pocket, tucked in your waist (however I believe you can use a waistband) or in your hand. That would be brandishing a firearm, which is illegal.

So before you go and grab a gun and go on the VRE, you might want to take a look at Virginia law on carrying those firearms.

Other than knowing how to carry a gun, we all need to consider the insane idea of wanting to do so in the first place on public trains. The idea of a crowded train and random people carrying guns should
make you feel less safe rather than more so.

There are too many threats on our transit system as it is.

Fortunately, I doubt a lot of people will take advantage of this ruling. I have a hard time imagining a train full of gun toting commuters. But it is possible.

It’s just another one of those things that make you say, “Hmmm. I don’t think the people making the laws thought this one all the way through,” at least not the idea of guns on trains.

Davon Gray works in Washington, D.C., and resides in Woodbridge. Contact him at davongray@verizon.net.