Denver7 News has reported that Colorado Ceasefire’s Eileen McCarron expressed outrage that the security division of Douglas County Schools (DCS) is purchasing 10 Bushmaster rifles for its security team, all of whom are former law enforcement and train with the Sheriffs’ department. DCS officers will continue to carry handguns, as well.
“My first response was, ‘this is madness,’” said McCarron. “It seems like an insane response. I feel like the Douglas County response is just upping the ante—more gun, more powerful guns.”
Rich Payne, DCS Director of Safety and Security and a 25-year police veteran, said, “I can say from lessons learned and looking at all the situations that have happened across the country with shootings that having the correct tools, having the long rifles have helped out in situations.”
School board president Meghann Silverthorn backed Payne’s experience over McCarron’s feelings when she said, “If someone is coming at our kids with deadly force then it should be met with the same deadly force.”
