Similar to past school shootings, the heartbreaking tragedy at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting left many debating over the issue of gun control. One Alabama lawmaker believes he has the solution to make schools safer, AL.com reports.
Rep. Will Ainsworth (R), wants to sponsor a bill that would allow public school teachers to carry concealed weapons throughout the school day after undergoing firearms training. Ainsworth, who is running for lieutenant governor, said his proposal came from local educators who approached him to create legislation so that they're able to protect themselves in classrooms.
Ainsworth plans to conduct further research and likened teachers to air marshals who carry concealed weapons on commercial flights as a means of caution and protection.
"Our children are sitting ducks in gun-free schools, and as the parent of three public school students, I believe we must act now in order to prevent another tragedy," Ainsworth said in a press release.
Gun control proponents certainly weren't feeling this idea, however, and pushed back on the idea on Twitter.
Hey @willainsworth, did you come up with this idea all by yourself, or is the @NRA helping you? As a former educator, I assure you, this is not the solution. Closing loopholes in NICS, banning military-style weapons, start there. #alpolitics #ExpectUshttps://t.co/v22FgdGXQW— Anne Leader (@anneleaderegval) February 15, 2018
Let's see what they say today. It is a terrible idea. If more guns were the solution, America would be the safest country on earth. Teachers want to educate. If they wanted to serve and protect, they would have joined the police force. Text EDUCATOR to 644-33 #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/pibx6kq0on— Anne Leader (@anneleaderegval) February 15, 2018
Sir, while your intentions are good, this is not the path. Make it harder for those who would do harm to others to obtain the weapons. Schools should not be made into the Wild West.— Clayton Hollinhead (@chollinhead) February 15, 2018
