(AP) — A Kansas lieutenant governor candidate is suing over the Kansas City suburb of Prairie Village’s prohibition on the open carry of loaded firearms in public places.

Libertarian Party candidate Grant Nelson alleges in the Johnson County suit that the ordinance violates the U.S. Constitution and the Kansas Bill of Rights. Under Kansas law, cities can regulate but not prohibit the open carry of firearms.

Nelson lives in Prairie Village and says he faces a heightened risk for attack because of his candidacy.

City officials say they’ll defend the ordinance. It doesn’t prohibit the open carry of firearms on private property or in private businesses that allow open carry. It also doesn’t apply to those who are legally licensed to carry concealed weapons.