Armed at the RNC

Tents, ladders, coolers, canned goods, tennis balls and bicycle locks are banned this week in the area surrounding the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

When Ohio Gov. John Kasich rejected the Cleveland police union’s request to temporarily ban the open carrying of firearms near the Quicken Loans Arena, this highlighted a national debate that pits city authorities, who contend with gun violence, against state lawmakers, who also have to answer to gun rights advocates.

Law enforcement leaders in several major cities have argued that municipalities should have the power to suspend open-carry laws when necessary to ensure public safety.

Here’s a collection of photos showing demonstrators outside the Republican National Convention exercising their right to bear arms in the open-carry state of Ohio. (REUTERS)

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