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Last gun show at Expo Idaho

Posted at 8:24 PM, Jan 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-09 22:24:40-05

President Obama's announcement this week on plans for tighter gun control has many Americans wary about the future of Second Amendment rights.

With the focus on unregulated gun sales online and at shows. It's no wonder there was a long line to get into this weekend's gun show in the Treasure Valley.

"The way it is described, is that we are trying to take away everybody's guns. Our position is consistently mischaracterized," says President Obama.

In his attempt to reduce gun violence in America, Obama has directed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to clarify that anyone engaged in the business of selling firearms - internet and gun shows included - must get a license and conduct background checks.
Not everyone agrees with this move.

Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho said, "The real problem here is the notion that we should respond to violence in the United States is to deprive people the access to their rights under the Constitution the right to bear arms. It does not increase safety. In fact, recent polling I think has shown that more Americans will be safer if people are armed."

Whether or not people showed up to shake Crapo's hand or simply check out the show and enjoy the experience... The place was packed.

"It's just elbow-to-elbow in everywhere in the whole building," said Patrick Chapman, attendee.

Paul Snider, the show founder and promoter, says it's the most popular show at Expo Idaho.

"We come here seven times a year and in the seven times we come, we run 14,000 people through total. There's no other show that can do that," Snider said.

Safety concerns prompted the Ada County Commissioners in their decision - essentially not allowing for the gun show at Expo Idaho anymore. But Snider said otherwise.

"Is it safe? Absolutely... it's a lot safer at this gun show than it is driving to the gun show," he said.

Longtime attendees are sad to see the show have to move, and fear for the future of gun shows in general.
Patrick Chapman says the reasoning for the 2nd Amendment in the first place was to prevent tyranny.
Limits on that right has many fearing for the future of the country.

  "That's not going to be good for America, not good at all. A lot of bad things are going to happen as a result of trying to disarm Americans," said Chapman.