Guns in Colorado public schools? GOP politicians want concealed handguns in class
Referencing some of the details that emerged last week during the preliminary hearing of James Holmes, who is accused of killing twelve and injuring dozens more last summer at an Aurora movie theater, Renfroe says, "That evil criminal took the time to study the place, take pictures. He picked it out and he knew what he was doing."
Renfroe notes that he spent eight years on a school board and held the position during the Columbine shootings. He also currently serves on a charter school board. He argues that there are probably school employees throughout the state who are well trained and could stop intruders if they had the opportunity. ![]()
Photo by Brandon Marshall Pro-gun protest at the Capitol last week.
"I know several examples of retired military veterans that are teaching now or retired police officers in our schools," he says. "What a tragedy it would be if someone like that [who]...is completely skilled and able to protect is not given that chance.... We need to look at the bigger picture."
In response to arguments that more guns are not the answer and can only increase the risk of accidents, he says, "If we trust teachers to educate...I think you could trust a teacher to decide if they are comfortable and qualified to carry.... If they are going to make that choice to carry, they're also going to take that responsibility seriously."
Given all the talk of gun policy in Colorado, Saine says, "The timing is perfect.... It's time to have this conversation. It's actually past the time to have this conversation."
She says, "It's changing the conversation about what is compassionate -- protecting our children in any way that we can."
Both Saine and Renfroe say they do not support gun control policies that favor stricter regulations, arguing that criminals will always find ways to violate the law.
"They are trying to restrict law-abiding citizens from receiving weapons," Saine says of gun control proponents. "Folks who do things like shooting up a theater...do they follow laws?"
Renfroe says banning any kind of weapon means law-abiding citizens will only be that much more defenseless against criminals. ![]()
Photo by Brandon Marshall Pro-gun protest at the Capitol last week.
"I believe in the Second Amendment and I believe in protecting myself and my family and my property," he says, "And I want to be able to do that with at least the same amount of firepower that a criminal is going to come at me with."
Continue for the full proposal.

































