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Waterman: Firearm legislation would save lives

State Senator John Waterman

200 West Washington Street – Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

NEWS RELEASE 1.22.08

Contact: Carrie Zapfe

317-232-7184

czapfe@iga.state.in.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Firearm legislation would save lives

Waterman: Law-abiding citizens should be allowed to protect themselves

(STATEHOUSE) – Hoosiers with valid personal protection permits would be able to carry firearms on state property when legislation co-authored by Sen. John Waterman (R-Shelburn) is passed into law.

Current state policy prohibits those with such permits from carrying handguns onto state property, such as the Statehouse and state university campuses. Waterman’s legislation, Senate Bill 356, would still prohibit legally carried concealed weapons in airports and penal institutions, he said.

According to Waterman, recent events at Virginia Tech and the church shooting in Colorado show why it is crucial that citizens be able to defend themselves. The Virginia Tech massacre resulted in the deaths of 32 innocent faculty and students and injuries to more than a dozen others because only the gunman, who had no respect for the law, was armed, he said.

“The church shooting was stopped by a citizen who used her own gun in self-defense,” Waterman said. “Hoosiers should be able to do the same. It isn’t fair that I can protect myself at the Statehouse, but my staff can’t.”

Waterman’s bill passed the Senate Corrections Committee 7-3 and now moves to the full Senate for second reading and further consideration.

Waterman serves Senate District 39, which includes Clay, Greene, Knox, Daviess, Owen, Sullivan and Vigo Counties.

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For your convenience, a high-resolution photo of Senator Waterman is available at: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/newsroom/photo-gallery.htm

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Waterman: Firearm legislation would save lives

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