Colorado state Rep. Patrick Neville (R-Castle Rock), a graduate of Columbine High School who was in attendance the day of the infamous 1999 shooting, on Feb. 2 introduced state legislation, HB-1168, that would allow anyone with a concealed weapons permit the right to conceal and carry firearms in public schools.
“This bill will allow honest law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm for protection if they choose to,” said Neville “But most importantly, it will give them the right to be equipped to defend our children from the most dangerous situations.”
Neville believes his bill will lead to less school shootings whereas the current law barring law-abiding permit holders from carrying in schools is an open invitation for violent thugs and criminals intent on doing harm.
“Our teachers and faculty were heroic in so many ways that day, that’s why I truly believe had some of them had the legal authority to be armed, more of my friends would still be alive today,” Neville concluded.