The right to carry a concealed weapon has been a sensitive topic for years, however, due to recent acts of gun-related violence, the issue has become a political controversy. Although the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution states, “A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed,” guarantees citizens the right to bear arms , the argument rests on the interpretation of when and where Americans can exercise this right. All 50 states allow the general public to practice concealed carry; however, the District of Columbia only allows concealed carry licenses for active and retired law enforcement officers (Concealed Weapons 1). States that allow concealed carry licenses may have a lower crime rate than those that do not; therefore, the District of Columbia should adopt private citizen concealed carry laws. Illinois (particularly Chicago) is notorious for crime. The state is ranked twelfth out of fifty-one (the fifty states and the District of Columbia) in 2008 for violent crimes and fifth out of fifty-one for armed robberies by the FBI (U.S. Department of Justice 3)) . In turn, the District of Columbia reported a 40% increase in violent crime for the year 2012 (Noble). Gun rights activists view concealed carry licenses as a crime deterrent based on the reasoning that criminals will not attack someone who may be armed (Concealed Guns 2). The Chicago Gazette published in 2009 "Gun rights groups challenged [Illinois] law banning concealed weapons." An activist funded by the National Rifle Association is suing on behalf of an Illinois woman who was assaulted while volunteering. ......to defend themselves and/or others in the event of an attack. The District of Columbia should develop a new law allowing private civilians to carry permits and instruct them in gun safety and training. Works Cited “Hidden Weapons.” Concealedguns.procon.org. Procon.org, February 5, 2013. Web. March 21, 2014. “Guns on the bus? Bad idea. Chicagotribune.com Chicago Tribune, February 26, 2013. Web. March 21, 2014.Lorenzi, Neal. “Concealed-carry gun ruling sparks controversy: aldermen objected.” GazetteChicago.com. Gazzetta, 1 February 2013. Web. 22 March 2014. Nobile, Andrea. “Violent Crime in DC Surges in 2012.” washingtontimes.com. The Washington Times, February 19, 2012. Web. March 21, 2014. U.S. Department of Justice. Office of Public Affairs. “Illinois Crime Rates 1960-2011” Disastercenter.com. Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2012. Network. March 21 2014.