IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — As the gun control debate continues, Iredell County commissioners are calling on state lawmakers to allow guns in schools.
You won't see a flag or banner hanging in town if you're driving through Iredell County, but according to county commissioners, Tuesday is "The Right to Bear Arms Day."
"We just wanted to make a statement, to our General Assembly, to our representatives, that the people of Iredell County strongly support the Second Amendment," said Iredell County Commissioner Renee Griffith.
At their last board meeting, commissioners approved two resolutions that were both sent to the governor’s office. One asks for state lawmakers not to support stricter gun control laws, and the other requests for guns to be allowed on school campuses.
"It would allow teachers who chose to do so, who had a valid North Carolina permit, to carry their weapons to school," said Commissioner David Boone.
While county leaders passed the resolution in a two-to-three vote, the idea of guns on campuses is not supported countywide.
James Hogan started the Iredell Citizens Against Guns in Schools Facebook page, and it’s already received quite the following.
"Most responsible gun owners know that guns and children don't mix. And I don't see schools providing the adequate resources needed to safely house guns on campus," said the Statesville resident.
Hogan said the county resolutions don't consider the possibility of a teacher snapping, or even getting in the way of law enforcement should something happen.
"That's possible, but it’s probably no more likely that what it is for a law enforcement officer," said Boone.
If the resolutions were approved by legislators, it would affect all North Carolina schools, but it would be up to each individual school board to implement it. If the resolutions go before state lawmakers, commissioners hope to have their resolutions in place by next school year.
Iredell County leaders told Eyewitness News they haven't heard back from their state representatives or the governor's office. Eyewitness News also reached out those lawmakers but didn't hear back by news time Tuesday.
WSOC
