Louisville, Ky. (WHAS11) - It's expected to bring some 60,000 people to Louisville and some prominent political figures, including presidential candidate John McCain. The NRA convention starts Friday at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
We first told you on WHAS11 news that guns would be allowed at Friday's event with McCain. Now we've learned that's changed.
The south wing was bustling with activity Thursday, the day before the National Rifle Association Convention opens in Louisville. Workers set up 8,000 chairs for the sold-out program featuring Republican presidential candidate John McCain.
Guns are not barred from the state-owned south wing of the Fairgrounds Convention Center and John McCain's campaign folks said it was fine with them if NRA members with valid concealed carry permits brought guns into his speech. But since our story last week, the Secret Service has stepped in.
But NRA members who walk through the doors will be greeted by metal detectors, they won't be allowed to carry in weapons, even if they have a valid concealed carry permit.
According to an NRA spokesperson, Secret Service members have stepped in and said while firearms will still be allowed in the convention center, they will not be allowed in the Celebration of American Values Forum.
NRA members WHAS11 talked to say they're not upset with guns being barred from an NRA event.
About 60,000 NRA members are expected for the weekend convention.
Critics say the NRA has too much political power and goes too far in protecting gun rights, keeping guns in the hands of criminals. Members say it's exactly the opposite.
Louisville was chosen as the convention site because the city is centrally located and has a brand new wing at the Fair and Expo Center.
A spokesperson for the NRA says another factor in Louisville landing the big convention was Kentucky’s law allowing permit holders to carry concealed guns.
The National Rifle Association boasts 4-million dues paying members.
