11-Year-Old Girl Brings Loaded AR-15 Semi-Automatic Rifle To Idaho Legislative Hearing On Gun Control

An 11-year-old girl showed up Monday to the Idaho Statehouse in Boise with a loaded AR-15 assault weapon to show her support for concealed carry laws during a legislative hearing.

Bailey Nielsen appeared at the statehouse with her grandfather, Charles Nielsen, 58, to testify to the state legislature. The two testified before the House State Affairs Committee in support of a proposal that would allow people visiting Idaho who legally own firearms to carry concealed weapons within city limits.

Charles Nielsen testified to the legislature while Bailey Nielsen remained silent with the AR-15 slung over her shoulder.

“Bailey is carrying a loaded AR-15,” Charles Nielsen told the representatives. “People live in fear, terrified of that which they do not understand. She's been shooting since she was 5 years old. She got her first deer with this weapon at 9. She carries it responsibly. She knows how not to put her finger on the trigger. We live in fear in a society that is fed fear on a daily basis.”

Bailey’s AR-15 is reportedly not an uncommon sight in the Idaho Statehouse. Aside from Idaho State Police, some representatives are reportedly known to carry concealed weapons into the Statehouse on a regular basis. Visitors do the same, and some have reportedly brought other rifles with no issue.

“When they come to Idaho, they should be able to carry concealed, because they carry responsibly,” Charles Nielsen said. “They're law-abiding citizens. It's the criminal we have to worry about.”

The committee ultimately voted to send the measure to the full House for debate.

Under current laws, Idaho residents that are 18 and older are allowed to carry a concealed weapon with city limits across the state. Residents do not require a permit or training to carry concealed weapons in cities and the proposal would extend that right to U.S. residents or U.S. service members visiting from out of state.

Republican Rep. Christy Zito proposed the measure and said it is meant to clear up any confusion about Idaho’s gun laws.

It was opposed by the three Democrats service on the House State Affairs Committee.

Opponents have argued that allowing “teenagers” to carry concealed weapons without a permit or training in city limits could be dangerous and lead to more shootings.