MADISON (WKOW) -- The Wisconsin Department of Justice says it is increasing hearing more from people all over the state who have questions about the state's open carry laws.
The state says it's taken calls from legislators, private citizens, district attorneys and law enforcement.
On Monday, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen released a memorandum to Wisconsin's district attorneys confirming people do have the right to openly carry firearms in the state.
Click here to read that memo.
"It is not unlawful, barring other facts and circumstances, to openly carry a firearm in Wisconsin," Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said. He went on, "This is offered as guidance to Wisconsin's prosecutors when making charging decisions. It will also assist Wisconsin law enforcement in the exercise of their duty to keep the peace, protect rights and enforce the law."
A recent high profile court case in West Allis brought open carry into the spotlight. Police arrested a man who was wearing a holstered weapon on his property for disorderly conduct. A judge later found him not guilty. However, many people still have questions and concerns over the incident.
The Department of Justice released the Attorney General's statement on open carry on the tenth anniversary of the Columbine shootings. The state says that is purely coincidental. It released the information as soon as it was ready.
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