National Football League

Minnesota police officers could have guns at Vikings games

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:56 p.m. ET

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A judge has struck down -- for now -- an NFL policy preventing off-duty Minnesota police officers from carrying guns at Vikings games.

Two police organizations challenged the rule, arguing that NFL policy cannot trump state law.

Judge Ivy Bernhardson ruled Thursday in favor of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis. However, the NFL's policy will remain in place pending further court guidance. The judge hasn't set future court dates.

The ruling applies only in Minnesota.

Police groups argued that even off-duty officers need to be armed at Vikings games, to protect themselves and the public.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says the policy is designed to keep fans safe. He says the NFL will continue enforcing it until the matter is resolved.