CENTER TWP — Local law enforcement led a concealed carry event hosted by state lawmakers on Thursday night at the Unionville Volunteer Fire Hall.

Paul West of Butler attended the event. He said the event was informative.

“It's great for them to put this on so we know what's happening,” West said.

West said he would recommend attendance for gun owners or anyone interested in owning a gun. He said it is worth brushing up on the new legislation.

“I think it's also a good way to interact with your legislators, your sheriff's office and other local law enforcement,” West said.

State Reps Marci Mustello, R-11th, and Tedd Nesbit, R-8th, hosted the event and answered questions from their constituents.

Nesbitt said the goal for these meetings is to help inform gun owners about gray areas in gun laws and talk about the progress in rectifying them.

“I think we need to educate ourselves to be responsible gun owners,” Nesbitt said.

Mustello said being newly elected, she needs to be involved in these conversations to have a better understanding of what people are looking for in future legislation.

“I'm here to learn as well,” Mustello said.

State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, also attended.

Norman Graham of Connoquenessing said Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe was a great choice to present the information.

“He was right down to earth,” he said. “He knew what the questions were going to be, and he answered them all.”

Graham said he liked hearing about updates in reciprocity agreements between states regarding concealed carry permits.

“I knew the states had laws that were different,” he said.

Graham said he also felt better about information Slupe reviewed about the Castle Doctrine, or defense of your residence.

Slupe had been asked whether the Castle Doctrine principles extended to other areas of a property such as the yard or garage. Slupe responded with support from Nesbitt that it also applied to those places.

“I thought you had to drag the person back into the house still,” Graham said.

Slupe covered an array of topics, like concealed carry permit applications, background checks and offenses that could cost the right to own guns, such as violent offenses and domestic cases.

Slupe also discussed where you are not allowed to carry a gun, like federal buildings. The Butler County Courthouse has lock boxes where guns must be stored, he said.

In the case of stores, restaurants or other types of places being designated gun-free, he said you are legally allowed to carry, but if asked to leave, you must abide by the property owner's wishes.

“If you don't leave, you can be arrested for trespassing,” he said.

Slupe, who had a piston holstered to his hip during the presentation, covered many gray areas and many areas of fact, but he also pointed out some flaws with current and pending legislation that he said continue to ignore mental health, despite claims by legislators to be a focus moving forward.

He said it is too easy for criminals to bypass background checks by buying guns in private sales and estate sales.

“There's no background check,” Slupe said. “Nothing.”