Bismarck Schools to Get AR-15’s

by
posted on August 20, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ar-15s-on-wall.jpg (1)

The Bismarck, N.D., Police Department has put in a budget request for 2019 seeking more than $25,000 for the purchase of AR-15s and related equipment that would be used to safeguard schools during any armed attack. The rifles would be stored in locked safes at Bismarck schools and would be used to thwart any school shootings.

The funding would be split between the police department and the school system, with police money being used to buy the rifles themselves and school money going toward gun safes, bulletproof vests and medical kits.

The budget request has not yet been approved, but if the city council gives its nod, the money would be available in January.

The decision was made in response to the February attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

“I fully believe that we have some solid preventative measures in place, and generally, our schools are safe, but we have to do everything we can to be prepared for something if it did happen," Bismarck Police Lt. Jason Stugelmeyer told a reporter.

Bismarck is following the lead of other school districts in North Dakota. Grand Forks and Fargo already have such rifles available to school resource officers.

The move is in keeping with much of the data that show the efficacy of having armed staff on campuses, and the NRA School Shield program has been available to help school districts better prepare against shootings—not just in terms of promoting an armed presence, but also in that the NRA School Shield seminars train people how to assess a school’s physical security.

Latest

The Armed Citizen
The Armed Citizen

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

True stories of the right to keep and bear arms

5 Reasons the Second Amendment Should Not Be Political

The right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. It is not a tool of one political party but rather is a right for all Americans, regardless of their background, income or voting history.

Gun Skills | A Skills Test: Cinco y Tres

Most violent crimes take place in close quarters. This simple drill will help prepare you for these scenarios.

President Trump Signs One Big Beautiful Bill

President Trump delivered even more good news to law-abiding gun owners in the process.

Gun Review | Springfield Armory Emissary AOS

This single-stack 1911 pistol offers power, precision, elegant looks and more.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.