Last week’s guest opinion article on the NIU shooting raised some important concerns. The author states that “If someone has the intent to kill, there is very little that will stop them.” Hammond then calls for further gun control, arguing for licensure of weapons. He even goes as far as stating, “Gun control would stop such events”. These statements seem quite contradictory.

Illinois has very strict gun control measures compared to many states. The campus was a “gun-free” zone. Illinois, along with Wisconsin, are the only two states not to allow legal concealed carry of handguns. Did this stop the shooter? No, as Hammond states, little can be done once a person has decided to commit such acts. Our second Amendment right to be armed citizens should not be restricted because of such incidents. Criminals have, and will, find ways to circumvent the rule of law.

Allowing responsible adults who have passed the proper training and background checks to defend themselves could have prevented this attack. However, the vast majority of college campuses, and our state, do not allow licensed concealed carrying of weapons. The possibility of armed “victims” would be a much greater deterrent than possible gun law violations. In conclusion, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the victims and all those affected by this heinous incident. I would encourage all of us to do more research regarding lawful concealed carry and its track record in other states.

Sam Straub
Senior
Civil Engineering