Beverly-Mt. Greenwood Residents React to Concealed Carry Passage

On Tuesday afternoon, Illinois became the last state to legalize the private, licensed carry of concealed firearms with the General Assembly overriding Gov. Pat Quinn's veto before a court-ordered deadline.

From shouts of hallelujah to screams of disbelief, reactions from our readers could not be more polarized. 

Here's a sample of what we've seen on Beverly-Mt. Greenwood Patch Facebook page so far:

• Sean G: It hasn't really caused any problems in the other 49 states that allow it. It's a pretty restrictive bill but I'm surprised to see it here in Illinois. Now that the ISP takes four months to approve a FOID card they promise you in 30 days, I'm curious to see how long getting a permit will take.

• Ashley G: For me it's more about the government not controlling my life. Criminals will have guns regardless, but if they take them away from everybody it's just one more baby step to taking away all our freedoms and it will never end.

• Jennifer V: It certainly levels the playing field.

• Brian G: Good news for law abiding citizens. Watch home invasions and car jackings will plunge here.

• Tracy J: It will def make things worse. Just more people that don't know how to use a gun in Chicago. I can see having one solely for ur protection in your house, not carrying it around on an everyday basis.

• Sean G: 16 hours of training is required, with range time included. Getting a CCW license will be a lot of hoops to jump through for someone with no experience and training. Almost more dangerous for people to have them at home with no training whatsoever.

• Joyce A:If I'm about to be raped, robbed, or murdered..... I'd like to equalize things. I want to carry a gun so I won't be a helpless victim.

• Stella S: The law is right to carry not everyone carry, so not everyone will be armed. Just like a drivers license you need to meet requirements. Some smart people and some idiots will meet these requirements. Also there will be restrictions on where you can and cannot carry. I for one look forward to having smart ones around, I also will not be one that carries.

• Steve G: I really don't see how it will make anything worse, Chicago is on another record setting shooting pace, conceal & carry should be nation wide

• Robert F: Game on! The only deaths you'll hear about will hopefully be that of the criminals.

• Kathleen W: What does this mean? If someone is robbing me in front of my home or work place, someone with a gun can pull it out and shoot them? Shoot and kill them?

How do you fell about the legalization of concealed carry? Take our poll above or let us know in the comments.