Ga. lawmaker receives threats over gun bill

ATLANTA,None — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Georgia State Patrol are aware of "perceived threats" against a Georgia lawmaker, but refused to discuss details due to the nature of the case.

Channel 2 Action News has learned the lawmaker is Rep. Ann Purcell, a Republican from Rincon.

The threats appear to stem from a bill that would remove certain requirements for gun owners in the state.

House Bill 679 would allow law-abiding adults in the state to carry a gun without a permit, openly or concealed.

"What inspired this legislation is the recognition that there is an assault on our Second Amendment rights," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jason Spencer of Kennesaw, at a hearing Feb. 9.

At that hearing, one supporter of the bill voiced his concern over a perceived lack of action by the committee, to which Purcell responded, "There has been an assumption and incorrect information in regards to this bill not being brought up before the committee."

Reached by phone Tuesday, Spencer said news of the threats was unfortunate, and that they "go way too far in a very vile direction."

He's concerned the threats have had a negative impact on his bill, since he says it has not come up for a second hearing, as he requested.

Channel 2 Action News tried repeatedly to reach Purcell Tuesday, but a representative said she was not available.
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