Gun Advocate: Gun Free Zones Aren’t Safer

A Philadelphia-based gun rights advocate who testified before a legislative committee on Wednesday says contrary to what many believe, gun free zones aren't safer than other areas.

John Lott appeared before the Senate Education Committee in support of legislation that would allow people with concealed carry permits to bring guns into schools and other public buildings except courtrooms.

Lott says a study of mass shootings in the United States since 1950 shows all but two happened in areas where private citizens couldn't carry guns. Lott says gun free zones are "a magnet" for terrorists and other killers because they are easy targets.

The Education Committee approved the bill 3-2, but also amended it to allow local officials to decide whether to allow guns in public buildings. The bill's original sponsor, Rep. Allen Jaggi (R-Lyman) says he isn't happy with the amended version of the bill.

The proposal must pass three readings in the state Senate, during which time opponents of the change will have the chance to try to amend the bill back to it's original for.

If the senate passes the bill that came out of the Education committee, the two houses will have to try to hammer out an agreement before it can be sent to Governor Matt Mead.