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When state lawmakers return to the Capitol next week, one of the first items on the agenda is whether guns should be allowed on college campuses. The issue is gaining traction since the pre Thanksgiving shootings on the FSU campus.

“the bullet deflected off the…

Nathan Scott was one of three people shot at the FSU library. He describes himself as a libertarian when it comes to guns on campus. “I do think there are maybe students who are trained to be law enforcement officers who I would feel very safe if they have guns.”

On Tuesday, lawmakers will hear House Bill 4005. It would allow concealed carry permit holders to carry on college campuses. Dane Eagle is one of the co-sponsors. “If we’re restricting law abiding citizens from holding a gun to protect themselves, than the only people who are going to have guns on campuses are those who are not abiding by the law.”

Senate sponsor Greg Evers says now is the time. “If this had been in force than the person who actually committed the crime on FSU, then there would have been a lot less shots fired.”

Q:” You think?

“Yes I do.”

John Thrasher, FSU’s new President supported guns on campuses when he was a State Senator. He hasn’t said publicly how he feels about it now that he’s running a university.

University police across Florida oppose students carrying weapons concealed or otherwise. Student reaction is mixed.

Kadale Lubin of Ft. Lauderdale told was asked: ”these would be people who presumably would be law abiding citizens.” Her answer:  :”Law abiding citizens carry guns? I mean, we see how that has played out over the past couple months, so, I would not feel safer. No.”

Austin Grant is a science major. We asked him if he would feel safer with guns on campus. He says ”I wouldn’t have a problem with it.”

And both sides are likely to give lawmakers an earful next week.

As written, HB 4005 would allow permit holders to carry openly in public but  they would have to conceal their weapons on college campuses.