CONCORD - The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee lived up to its name today when Rep. Kyle Tasker, R- Nottingham, accidentally dropped his gun on the floor.

The gun did not discharge in the committee room, which was packed for a hearing and vote on an amendment to a controversial abortion bill, House Bill 1659.

Tasker said he had come from donating blood at a Red Cross bloodmobile at the State House.

“I did not realize the retention device on my shoulder holder was not properly fastened. When I sat down, (the gun) fell to my feet,” Tasker said. “If it wasn't for the clunk, I don't know that anyone would have noticed.”

Tasker reportedly told other onlookers that he was a little lightheaded from giving blood.

Guns have been allowed at the State House since last January, when the Legislature passed a law allowing the carrying of firearms at the complex.

Tasker, a young freshman member of the House, said the gun, an M911 pistol, was loaded but is “drop safe,” requiring the trigger to be pulled to release a round.

As for any takeaway from the incident, Tasker said: “If you are going to wear a shoulder holster, gravity is not your friend.”