South Carolina state Rep. Steven Long announced plans Monday to take arming teachers into his own hands, regardless of progress made on the five bills entered into the state house that would allow teachers to carry in classrooms.
Long — who represents Boiling Springs — will “be giving away three Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm handguns: “one to a K-12 teacher, school staff member, or school administrator; one to a higher education (college/university) faculty, staff member, or administrator; and one to any freedom-loving patriot who wishes to participate in the drawing,” a press release on his website reads.
Interested participants can sign up for the drawing on Long’s website.
The educators who win the drawing will also be given to opportunity to attend a concealed carry class and earn a Concealed Weapons Permit.
Following the Parkland tragedy, President Trump has repeatedly called for arming up to twenty percent of all teachers.
“You have a gun free zone, it’s like an invitation for the sick people to go there,” Trump said in defense of his position Monday. “It would just be a very small group of people that are very gun adept.”
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“We must do everything we can to ensure the safety of children in schools, both K–12 and our higher education institutions. Allowing teachers or school staff members to carry is the most efficient and most effective way to do this,” Long said of his decision. “This is entirely voluntary. We aren’t forcing teachers who don’t feel comfortable with a gun to carry. Not every teacher will want to carry or needs to carry, but for those who are willing and able, we need to allow them this protection. I’m open to a discussion regarding the specifics of a program that allows teachers to carry, but it is undeniable that we must take action on this issue.”
“The criminals who shoot up schools are mentally defective cowards. A shocking 98 percent of mass shootings occur in gun-free zones. The killers know that they are unlikely to encounter armed resistance and be stopped and they’re going after defenseless targets. Well, not anymore. By allowing trained adults to defend the students, we will send the message to those deranged psychotic degenerates that children are our top priority and we will protect them.”