Law enforcement tape marks off Courthouse Park in Downtown Fresno on Aug. 20, 2026, where a senior Fresno County deputy district attorney was stabbed while filming a campaign commercial on break from his job. Photo courtesy of Fresno County Sheriff's Office
Written by Business Journal staff
A recent attack on a Fresno County prosecutor has prompted both city and county officials to reconsider rules governing whether prosecutors can carry firearms at work.
After the Aug. 20 stabbing of a Fresno County prosecutor in Courthouse Park — an attack authorities described as targeted — Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz announced that city prosecutors with concealed-carry permits would be allowed to carry firearms on the job. Fresno County is considering a similar change.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Sept. 8 to advance an ordinance that would allow District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp to authorize prosecutors and special investigators with concealed-carry licenses to possess firearms on county property. Smittcamp emphasized that employees carrying firearms should be properly trained and educated.
Business Journal readers largely support allowing prosecutors to carry firearms, though nearly a third favor additional training requirements.
Poll question: Should city, county prosecutors be allowed to carry firearms while on the job?
Yes, they face real threats: 51%
Only with additional training requirements: 31%
No, it creates unnecessary risks: 17%
Unsure: 1%
Total votes: 72
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