5. Gun Free Zones
Most schools throughout the U.S adhere to the “gun free zones” mantra. While we are thankful for Law Enforcement response, they cannot respond quicker than an armed and trained civilian already at the scene. Assistant Principal Joel Myrick (1997) at Pearl High School and Jeanne Assam at the New Life Church in Colorado Springs (2007) are two examples. Both stopped their attackers before Law Enforcement could arrive and without injuring one innocent person. The other benefit of having armed and trained civilians on school grounds is that it might deter a shooting. “60% of convicted felons admitted they avoided committing crimes when they knew their potential victim was armed. 40% of convicted felons admitted they avoided committing crimes when they thought the victim might be armed.” The criminals like to capitalize on the vulnerable. We don’t usually hear of shootings at police departments and military facilities. These places are not left vulnerable, which deters would be criminals and terrorists.
