CPRC on the new proposed DC Concealed Handgun regulations at the Blaze

From the Blaze:

. . . However, Dr. John Lott Jr., Second Amendment expert and president of the Crime Prevention Research Center, told TheBlaze the proposed law is not a huge win for gun rights.

Lott said politicians in Washington, D.C., are considering passing a “may issue” concealed carry law that would come with a laundry list of restrictions and the final decision on issuing concealed carry permits would be “arbitrary” and left to government officials.

“There are eight states that have ‘may issue’ laws where you have to meet a number of restrictions, but you also have to demonstrate a need to some public official as to why you need a permit to carry a concealed firearm,” he told TheBlaze.

Lott said Fox News host John Stossel, in 2013, went through the ridiculously long process of trying to obtain a concealed carry permit in New York City, which also operates under a “may issue” law, and he was ultimately denied. Stossel said he was receiving a number of online death threats, thus justifying his need for a permit for self-defense, Lott explained.

But New York City officials didn’t see it that way and his application was rejected.

Lott said the same problems would plague the current proposal to bring concealed carry to the nation’s capital. Further, just like with other anti-gun states and cities, he argued that the rules would “make it extremely difficult for the poorest people to have the option to go and protect themselves, and it’s unfortunate.” . . .

He said about 5 percent of the U.S. population have permits to carry concealed handguns, though it’s likely higher because a number of states do not require a permit to concealed carry. In New York City, only .09 percent of residents have concealed carry permits. Ultimately, he argued, very few people will actually be given permits to carry under the current Washington, D.C., proposal. . . .

One other point might be raised about these gun-free areas that are being created.  Did police feel safer when DC or Chicago were completely gun free areas?  Presumably not.