OSU Knife Attack Proves the Urgency of Passing HB 48 to Eliminate No-Gun Victim Zones

COLUMBUS, OH - The attack at The Ohio State University today is yet another reminder that no-gun "victim zones" do not make anyone safer.

According to The Columbus Dispatch, "Nine people were injured when a man ran into pedestrians with his car on the Ohio State University campus, then exited the vehicle with a butcher knife and started cutting victims."

Fortunately, an OSU police officer was close by and able to shoot and kill the suspect to stop the attack. But even so, those being attacked were unable to defend themselves effectively because Ohio law forbids carrying a concealed handgun on school campuses, even if school authorities may be willing to allow it.

This is why it is vital that HB 48 is passed into law. This bill would eliminate many of Ohio's no-gun victim zones, including schools and universities.

"HB 48 would not force schools to allow concealed carry," said Jim Irvine, Board President of Buckeye Firearms Association, "it would simply provides language that would allow authorities governing college campuses and certain government buildings the ability to allow concealed carry if they choose to do so."

HB 48 would also restore the right of Ohioans to carry in day-care facilities (unless they post "no-guns"), private airplanes, school safety zones, and in non-secure areas of police stations and airports.

"In nearly every case, school killers are stopped only when someone arrives at the scene with a gun," continued Irvine. "The faster the response, the fewer people get injured or killed. Those who choose to carry a gun therefore have the ability to respond in seconds, instead of waiting minutes hoping for someone else to arrive, which may be too late."

Concealed carry has worked successfully in Ohio for more than a decade, and there are now more than half a million people in Ohio with a concealed handgun license. This includes young men and women 21 years or older. They carry every day in their cars and on the street, in grocery stores and restaurants, at work and at home.

And since the introduction of Buckeye Firearms Foundation's FASTER Saves Lives program just 4 years ago, there are more than 175 Ohio school districts with armed teachers and staff. But unless HB48 passes, no university in Ohio will have the option to add this layer of protection for students and staff.

Irvine said, "No one is arguing that allowing concealed carry on campuses would totally eliminate school shootings. We're just arguing that it would allow individuals who choose to carry the option of defending themselves on-the-spot. And by doing so, could save the lives of others too. If concealed carry works in 99.9% of other locations in Ohio, why wouldn't it work at a school or college campus?"

The Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee will be hearing proponent/opponent/interested party testimony on Wednesday, November 30 at 8:45 a.m. in the Finance Hearing Room. The chairman has indicated that amendments may be offered at the Wednesday hearing.