Judge: Off-duty police may carry guns at Vikings games

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A judge has ruled that off-duty police officers may carry handguns at Minnesota Vikings games at the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium.

The Minneapolis police union and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association sued last year after the NFL banned guns for all but working officers and security personnel.

In August, Hennepin County Judge Ivy Bernhardson determined state law requires the NFL to allow officers to carry handguns. That law restricts the ability of private establishments to limit the carrying of firearms by off-duty officers.

On Friday, the judge found the Legislature had intended the law apply to the university, the NFL and the Vikings.

Lt. John Delmonico, head of the police union, says he's happy with the decision.

A university spokesman tells the Star Tribune (http://strib.mn/1E8pcat ) the school is reviewing the decision.

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Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com