A Republican lawmaker in Indiana fired a concealed weapon at students protesting for gun control at the state Capitol on Tuesday.
State Rep. Jim Lucas approached a group of five teenagers and asked them what brought them to the Capitol. He started advocating for gun rights when he was told they were participating in a protest with a chapter of Everytown for Gun Safety, an advocacy group.
One of the teens began recording the interaction.
Lucas argued that Americans are not “true free” unless they are equipped to protect themselves.
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In this image taken from video, Indiana Rep. Jim Lucas points a holstered gun at students who visited the state Capitol to speak with lawmakers about gun control, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Republican, Seymour). (Makina Five Courts, via AP)
When the student asked if Lucas intended to carry a firearm, the deputy opened his jacket and replied, “I am carrying a firearm.”
“I don’t feel safe if someone has a gun,” another student said shortly afterward.
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After local news outlets published the video, Lucas addressed the exchange on social media.
“I fear and sympathize with people who are indoctrinated to fear that it is the best means of self-defense, and even when it is shown that the government clearly controls the government. , people are indoctrinated to depend on the government for their ‘safety’ and not to protect us,” Lucas wrote.
Indiana Congressman Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) listens during the General Assembly session at the state Capitol.
Alana Trissel, 17, one of the students involved in the incident, later told The Associated Press that the conversation “took a turn for the worst” when Lucas revealed the gun.
“I felt increasingly powerless as state legislators displayed weapons,” she said. “I was scared. I felt alone. I was timid and almost paralyzed with fear.”
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Lucas last made national headlines in May 2023 when he was arrested on charges of drunk driving and abandoning a vehicle after an accident.
Lucas was arrested by state troopers from ISP-Versailles Post after initially leaving the scene of the accident.
Mugshot of Indiana State Representative Jim Lucas provided by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. (Jackson County Sheriff’s Office)
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Sheriff’s Office placed on list The following charges against Lucas: Motor Vehicle – Drunk Driving – Endangerment; Motor Vehicle – Leaving Scene of Collision – Accident with Property Damage. Motor Vehicle – Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
He ultimately accepted the deal, pled guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident, and was sentenced to one year of supervised probation and paid $4,000 in restitution for damages caused by the accident. was sentenced. He was also required to participate in an alcohol and drug abuse program. The judge then agreed to shorten his probation after six months.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
