Watch CBS News

McCarthy: Concealed Carry Could Lead To More Guns On The Street

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago's police superintendent speaking before a dozen illegal weapons says concealed carry may boost the number of guns on the street.

Superintendent Garry McCarthy said police have seized 1,850 guns so far this year and says tougher possession laws drive that number down, at least until concealed carry takes hold.

McCarthy: Concealed Carry Could Lead To More Guns On The Street

"Because now it is going to happen is legitimate guns are going to get stolen in cars, they are going to get stolen in burglaries, they are going to get taken away from legitimate owners. So, at the end of the day, those numbers may go up or they may go down, I'm not positive," said McCarthy.

McCarthy says Chicago police recover more illegal weapons than any other U.S. city and thinks a three-year mandatory minimum for possession would go a long way to improve the safety of Illinois streets.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.