Protesters disrupted the Tennessee House of Representatives after it passed a controversial bill that would allow teachers to carry concealed handguns.
The Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill Tuesday that would allow teachers and other staff in the state’s schools to: carry A handgun was hidden, according to new york times.
If passed, the bill would require teachers and staff who own guns to receive necessary training and approval from principals and school administrators. However, parents will not be notified.
The bill’s passage comes a year after a mass shooting at Covenant School in Nashville killed three students and three staff members.
After the bill was passed, demonstrators took to the floor of the House of Representatives to express their disapproval of the bill. Shouted out“I have blood on my hands.”
The House of Commons is in chaos as protesters derail proceedings.
Lawmakers gathered around the chamber, and Democrats and Republicans pursued each other for violating the rules.@WKRN #TNLeg24 pic.twitter.com/3KiPI80q5z
— Chris O’Brien (@THEChrisOB) April 23, 2024
“We’re not trying to shoot students, we’re trying to protect them from active shooters whose sole purpose is to enter schools and kill people,” Tennessee Sen. Ken Yeager (R-Tennessee) said in a statement. I’m trying to do it,” he said.
In addition to receiving criticism from those sitting in the House bleachers, opponents of the bill lined the hallways of the Tennessee State Capitol with placards that read, “Children deserve more!” Ta. and “Are you forever bereft of a loving heart?”
Tennessee Congressman Justin Jones (Democratic) Posted After his Republican colleagues passed the bill to “cut off debate,” he sent X a video showing protesters chanting “blood on our hands!”
“Tennessee Republicans cut off debate and passed a bill that would arm teachers in our schools,” Jones wrote. “The public shouted, ‘Blood on your hands!'” as the Speaker ordered officers to clear the gallery. This is what fascism looks like. ”
Tennessee Republicans just passed a bill to end debate and arm teachers in schools.
The people shouted, “Blood on your hands!” as the Speaker ordered officers to clear the gallery.
This is what fascism looks like. pic.twitter.com/9mg67oWMxM
— Congressman Justin Jones (@brotherjones_) April 23, 2024
Kathy Barnett, a volunteer with the Tennessee branch of Moms Demand Action, released a statement questioning how guns are “stored” and how children are prevented from “accessing them.” I saw it.
“These are all important questions about this type of bill that will never be answered,” Barnett added.
The passed bill reportedly expands on current law allowing law enforcement officers and private security personnel working in schools to: carry Firearms.
Under the new law, teachers and school staff would need a permit to use a handgun and the approval of a principal, school principal, or law enforcement official. The legislation would also establish confidentiality provisions regarding who holds a concealed carry permit.
Roughly half of U.S. states allow “teachers and other school employees” with concealed carry permits to carry firearms on school grounds, according to research group Giffords. make an effort To end gun violence.
