IAAM Safety and Security Task Force

Position Statement on Handguns and Weapons in
Public Assembly Facilities

 Background: Since September 11, 2001, the requirement for heightened security at all airports, train stations, federal buildings, certain “special events” and other places of public meetings and gatherings has been recognized by the President of the United States, the Federal Office of Homeland Security, the United States Congress, the United States Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies in the United States and around the world. The war on terrorism has made public assembly facilities a priority to secure and protect because of the hundreds of millions of patrons that attend events each year. 

 Position Statement: Hence, in order to assist facilities with restricting and eliminating the carrying of weapons and firearms on the premises of any public assembly facility, regardless of state law, it is the position of the Safety and Security Task Force that patrons and guests attending events in public assembly facilities shall not carry or have on their possession a handgun, firearm or weapon of any kind that may be harmful to the public or to facility property.