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By Scott Jenkins
Utah State Senator, District 20

The idea of a concealed weapon is that no one knows it is there. Ruthless criminals never know who might be armed, which affords society some extra protection. Posting a No Gun Zone removes that doubt. It sends the wrong message to people who would be violent.

Utah’s concealed weapons program is an excellent one. We have enjoyed a long history of safety with very few infractions.

In light of the killings at Trolley Square (another "gun free zone" targeted by a gunman), it amazes me the University of Utah and its professors want a gun free zone.

They are setting themselves up as targets for the very people from which they want to be protected.

7 Comments:

 Justin said...

How did an 18-year-old non-citizen get a shotgun and a revolver?

2/19/2007 10:12 PM  

 Constituent said...

And do you really think that this guy targeted Trolley Square because it is a "gun free zone?"

I doubt very seriously that is why he chose Tolley Square.. He went where there were going to be a lot of people milling about, more targets where he could take aim and kill the most people.

2/19/2007 11:00 PM  

 justin said...

I have to fill out paperwork, show ID, and pay a fee for a "temporary membership" to a "private club" just so I can get a blackened catfish sandwich at a restaurant like The Bayou. How was this kid, who had a criminal record as a juvenile, apparently able to legally buy a shotgun?

2/19/2007 11:28 PM  

 Stan said...

We should spend less time asking how he got a gun and more time asking why few others don't have guns. I think its wrong to keep focusing on how we could further restrict freedoms.

2/20/2007 1:55 AM  

 Connor said...

Indeed, I wonder what would have happened had somebody with a CCW been on the scene and responded earlier than the off-duty cop.

While more lives could have been saved, I'm also concerned with what might have happened in the exchange. When the cops showed up and two people are shooting at each other, how do they easily determine who is who?

Also, the likelihood of being sued by the shooter's family and others increases for a CCW as opposed to a cop, I would imagine. The ensuing legal battle might be a huge headache.

Talk about a dicey situation... Nonetheless, if a life is saved because of it, then so be it.

2/20/2007 10:09 AM  

 David said...

I agree with the state senator. Only law abiding citizens obey the rules. The only thing a UofU gun ban will accomplish is to make sure that no CFP holder can help, causing more people would die while waiting for police in the event of a shooting.

2/20/2007 10:10 AM  

 Rob said...

Writing to local businesses who display signs banning handguns has done a lot to help making fewer of these "Gun Free Zones."
http://robsrandomthoughts.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!83D513C4FDEDC247!228.entry

2/20/2007 6:01 PM  

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