Loophole allows gun carriers inside Texas Capitol

A unique loophole in a new security procedure will allow people, who are certified, to carry guns inside the building which seats the Texas government.

It permits them to bypass lines at metal detectors set up after a shooting incident earlier this year.

Everyone from lobbyists to lawyers and journalists is rushing to get permits to carry guns inside the Texas Capitol building, located in Austin, where legislators already often tote pistols in their boots or purses or stow them inside their desks.

Jim Henson, a University of Texas professor, said "the particular policy of fast tracking people with fire arms on the face of it seems a little weird to folks. But this is Texas."

There's now a frenzy for people to get trained and licensed to carry a firearm, especially before the legislative session begins in January.

In order to bypass lines and enter the Capitol building through the express lane, it is not required to have a gun. Merely holding a valid permit, and presenting it at the entrance, will get them expedited entry.

The metal detectors were installed at the Capitol's four public entrances in May, a few months after a man fired off a few rounds outside the doors of the main entrance.

Republican Governor Rick Perry, who is known to sometimes carry a .380 calibre pistol, vehemently objected to the metal detectors, saying he didn't want to see airport-like security logjams at a Capitol known for its open and freewheeling culture.

Texas law allows people to carry a weapon if they have a permit and as long as the gun is concealed.

A separate lane for license-holders had to be created so gun-holders could enter without having to pull out their weapons, or unconceal them, along with their wallets and keys.

That lawmakers would take the trouble to install magnetometers and then allow weapons inside has drawn criticism from gun-control advocates who called the policy "ludicrous."