Lawmaker wants teachers to carry guns
A state lawmaker plans to introduce legislation next session that would allow teachers to carry guns in school.
Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Good Thunder, says he plans to introduce the legislation as a result of the shooting deaths of 26 children, teachers and school administrators at an elementary school in Connecticut. Cornish says arming teachers and staff would be the best option to prevent additional attacks.
"It's something that we have to face that all of the laws in the world sometimes aren't just going to work," Cornish said. "The cop can't be everywhere so the best person to defend yourself is yourself."
Cornish's plan has been pushed by gun rights groups as a result of the tragedy in Connecticut but it's already being dismissed by Governor Dayton.
"I think that would just increase the danger," Dayton told reporters this morning. "To have weapons in classrooms, to me, defies common sense."
Gun control is likely to be a hot topic at the Legislature this year. Some advocates want tougher background checks on those buying guns.
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