In an interview with Atlanta’s NPR affiliate, WABE, Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields urged Georgia’s governor to once again veto a bill that would allow permit holders to carry concealed on public college and university campuses.
“I just think back to when I was in college and, you know, the amount of alcohol that flows there, it’s just … I just don’t see that there is an upside to this,” Shields said. Citing violent crimes near area campuses, she was asked why permit holders shouldn’t be able to choose how to protect themselves. However, Shields ducked the question and minimized the threat on campuses, saying, “Get your data right.”
Get your data right, Chief. Georgia law requires permit holders to be at least 21 years of age, and prohibits possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. In addition, the new law bars guns in student housing or at sporting events. The image of drunken underclassmen and -women mishandling firearms is a red herring; data from campuses that currently allow carry is proof.
As is the impressive safety record of 15 million permit holders nationwide—whom the chief would disarm for stepping onto campus.
