Autolycus
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Reported by Andrew Douglas
Special report: Mid-Southerners "packing heat"
Lawmakers across the country are debating concealed weapons laws in response to the massacre at Virginia Tech.
The right to "pack heat" is one that comes with the Constitution, but it's also a source of contention for some in law enforcement.
More people are licensed to carry concealed weapons in Shelby County than anywhere else in the state of Tennessee. Tonight, both sides weigh-in on the high number of people packing heat.
Chris Cope has been packing heat for four years and he wouldn't have it any other way. "There's at least one person who lives in Memphis who's happy that we carry. He's happy he's alive."
Cope was there last summer when police say a grocery store employee, armed with a knife, stabbed eight of his co-workers at the Schnucks on Highway 64.
"It looked like a serial killer movie or something," said Cope.
Cope remembers seeing the attacker about to stab a ninth victim, when he stepped in, armed and ready. "He said I'm crazy and I said I think you're going to be dead and crazy if you don't get on the ground."
Cope used his gun to subdue the suspect until police arrived.
When it comes to packing heat in Tennessee, Cope is certainly not alone.
More than 25,000 people carry guns legally in Shelby County. That's more than twice the number of people packing heat in the county next on the list and a source of contention for some law enforcement officials.
"From the industry perspective of law enforcement executives we are overwhelmingly opposed to the carrying of firearms by citizens," said Michael Heidingsfield with the Memphis and Shelby County Crime Commission.
Michael Heidingsfield runs an agency charged with finding the best ways to combat crime in Memphis and Shelby County.
"The concern is with a greater number of firearms in a neighborhood it could create the likelihood that violence can occur."
Cope believes he stopped the violence with his gun and more and more Mid-Southerners are learning to "cope" with crime the same way he did.
Tennessee makes it easy for them. Anyone over 21 who can pass state and federal background checks - and who is not a convicted felon - can get a license to carry a concealed weapon.
The same rules apply in Arkansas and Mississippi. "I'm glad there are laws out there that allow you to carry a weapon," said Cope.
As long as it's legal, Chris Cope will keep carrying and you can bet thousands like him will keep getting permits to pack heat.
