Texas allows the open carry of handguns

Texas was far from being the first US state to allow licensed gun owners to carry a holstered pistol in public - but it is the largest.

As a result, as from January 1 2016, almost one million people in Texas who have passed safety courses and have concealed handgun permits, will be allowed to openly carry their weapons. It is the first time they have been able to do so since 1871. They will even be allowed to carry them in the state assembly building in Austin.

The Associated Press said that Republican-controlled Texas already allows openly carrying rifles and shotguns, but has banned having handguns visible since just after the Civil War. Texas had nearly 826,000 concealed licence holders in 2014, which ranks among the nation's highest.