Local residents have expressed both support and dismay over Governor Bob McDonnell's comments that school officials should carry firearms.
In a call in radio program, the Governor posed the idea that having more armed individuals on school campuses would serve as a deterrent to those trying to harm students.
Yesterday, on Bristow Beat's Facebook page, residents debated the issue.
"I think it's a great move to discuss, and probably the right decision for at least some schools and districts," said Mary Rodgers.
Another resident approves of McDonnell's idea and added that school personnel should receiving training.
"Yes, teachers and administrators should have the option to receive training and be authorized to have a concealed firearm at work and not advertise who is armed. Keep the criminals guessing," said a Bristow resident.
A Manassas woman also agreed that such a proposal is "not a terrible idea" as some pilots were permitted to carry concealed firearms after 9/11.
However, some feel that the presence of hand guns in schools creates another set of problems.
"One day one of these 'trained and authorized' teachers or administrators will accidentally leave their gun in their desk while they go to the bathroom; one of their students will accidentally find it and likely accidentally discharge it, possibly killing themselves or another child." Tom Diepenbrock said. "This happens in homes across the country and it would happen in school if this sort of thing were allowed."
Others who oppose McDonnell's suggestion, see the discussion as a way of diminishing the larger issues.
"Utterly ridiculous and completely detached from any meaningful discussion of the problem at hand," said a Woodbridge man.
A Bristow women also called the idea"the saddest, craziest, and worst idea I have ever heard."
In Tuesday's interview on WTOP , McDonnell, who was highly supportive of gun-owners rights following the Newtown Conn. shootings, said the issue of gun control is only part of the discussion and he has also created a task force of stakeholders to audit school safety policies across Virginia.
However, some are still critical of the Governor.
"McDonnell cut ten million dollars from our school budget and now he's asking if we should arm the teachers and administrators. I guess guns are cheaper, and he can still brag about Virginia's budget surplus," Diepenbrock said.
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