>Walter, let me phrase Marcia's point differently.
>
>In South Carolina, state law designates certain areas as "gun-free zones" (including that church). A cold, impertinent, sad, but true statement is that nine completely defenseless individuals were killed in a gun-free zone by a lunatic with a handgun - and no security whatsoever. .
>
>Therefore, do you not think the state should provide licensed security some of the areas they designate as gun-free zones?
>
>I'm not going to say whether any citizen with a gun would have been able to stop the shooter. So that individual with the NRA (and Mike Huckabee) are going too far in their claims that a citizen with a gun would have made a difference. No one can say. But I'll state the fact that nine people were killed with absolutely NO MEANS OF DEFENSE. I defy anyone here to challenge that fact. If there are going to be new laws or changes to laws, they need to address THAT context.


Hi,

I recently moved from CT to SC and am considering purchasing a handgun and obtaining a concealed carry permit. I believe the statute allows an exemption to the SC "Gun Free Zone" with the permission of the church leadership. My church has a Sunday attendance of between 35,000 and 40,000 in 11 campuses throughout the state of SC. We definitely have armed security on site during worship services. The security consists primarily (but not exclusively) off duty policemen and sheriff deputies.

Ken