Guns in schools? Sandy Hook rekindles hot debate on arming teachers. (+video)
Across the country, some argue that an armed teacher could have prevented the Sandy Hook massacre. But others say having guns in schools heightens the risk of other tragedies.
Newtown, Conn.
Imagine this: Instead of blasting his way into the Sandy Hook Elementary School and killing 26 students and staff without anyone to stop him, Adam Lanza runs into a teacher or supervisor with a gun. Mr. Lanza is killed or incapacitated, and a massacre is averted.
This scenario is what some Texas state legislators and pro-gun advocates nationally are arguing for in the wake of the tragedy. Instead of trying to get rid of guns to prevent school violence, they want to allow teachers and administrators who are trained and licensed to carry weapons in the classroom.
A host of Texas legislators say they will introduce legislation to allow gun-toting teachers in the Lone Star State. US Rep. Louie Gohmert (R) of Texas told Chris Wallace on Fox News last Sunday he wished the principal at the Sandy Hook Elementary School had a weapon.
"Chris, I wish to God she had had an M-4 in her office, locked up so when she heard gunfire, she pulls it out ... and takes him out and takes his head off before he can kill those precious kids."
A bill to allow guns in schools passed the Michigan Legislature the day of the Sandy Hook shooting, but was vetoed by the governor; Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell says it ought to be discussed; and conservative commentator Bill Bennett, a former Education secretary, talking about the idea on “Meet the Press” last weekend, said, “But, my God, if you can prevent this kind of thing, I think – I think – I think we ought to.”
Page 1 of 4
