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New Law Allows Minn. Prosecutors To Carry Guns

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota prosecutors have new authority to arm themselves on duty.

Gov. Mark Dayton on Monday signed a bill allowing county attorneys and assistant county attorneys to carry firearms on duty as long as they have a valid permit. County attorneys can impose restrictions in their respective offices.

The bill cleared the Legislature on overwhelming votes.

The bill gained steam after Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell was shot and wounded in December last year by a man he had successfully prosecuted.

The new law takes effect Tuesday.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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