Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Sensible legislation will curb violence — not more guns
Recently, I experienced a terror I hope no one else will ever have to endure.
While my family did not face the terrible situation that occurred in Terminal 2 at the Fort Lauderdale airport, we were in Terminal 3 when there were reports of a second shooter. We experienced terror — instant and complete — as a SWAT team with guns raised appeared in our terminal and passengers began running through our area shouting “Second shooter!”
My three children, my husband and I scrambled, hid and prayed that our safe zone would not be breached by the shooter. In time, the police secured the area and thankfully, we eventually arrived home safely.
Having experienced firsthand the fear we felt when we thought there was an active shooter, I want to share my perspective on this situation. I am convinced that defensive weapons carried by multiple civilians would have made a terrible situation worse.
In those split seconds between panic and self-preservation, there is no way to distinguish a good guy with a gun from a bad guy with a gun. If I had drawn a defensive weapon, I would probably be dead.
Based on the behavior I witnessed, there was every possibility that my good intentions would have been misinterpreted by the police or others with defensive weapons. Had I had a weapon and seen one drawn, I would have shot first and asked questions later.
As a gun owner and concealed weapons permit holder, I don’t want to take guns away from other responsible gun owners. But gun violence in America is rampant and we must do something. However, from this experience, I can tell you public areas are not safer with more guns allowed in them.
The police, in this and other similar situations, have arrived quickly. They are trained to address violent episodes and I am so very thankful for those who are willing to risk their lives to protect ours. Let’s not make their jobs harder.
The Florida Legislature is considering allowing the open carry of guns at airports, schools, college campuses and other areas of public access without requiring proficiency with firearms (this in not achieved with a concealed weapons permitting class). We must oppose the proposed legislation that would allow amateurs to openly carry guns in public places.
Coincidentally, for my 20-year-old daughter, a student at Florida State University, this is the second time in her young life she has been in lockdown due to an active shooter scenario. Now more than ever, I realize we must come up with the policies to reverse this dangerous trend.
As a gun owner and concealed weapons permit holder, I don’t want to take guns away from other responsible gun owners. But gun violence in America is rampant and we must do something.