Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. — The shooting at a Madison mall over the weekend shows that it’s necessary to expand gun owners’ rights so people can protect themselves from criminals, a Wisconsin legislator said Monday.
Republican Rep. Bob Gannon said in a statement that there would be less crime if more people were trained to shoot at someone who threatened them, like a mall shooter. He called on citizens “to stand up and fight back.”
“Wisconsin does not have a death penalty law, but with significant practice and careful aim, law abiding citizens can help clean our society of these scum bags,” Gannon said. “A gang banger in the mall with a gun is going to think twice if there could be a law abiding (concealed carry license) holder standing behind them fully prepared to shoot.”
The freshman from Slinger says a bill that would allow concealed weapons in college buildings and stadiums has become even more important and urged his colleagues to pass it quickly.
Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, called Gannon’s comments irresponsible and dangerous. Gannon said Taylor “believes we should all crawl under the desk and take a shot to the head.”
Taylor responded to that remark by saying that people want a serious response to gun issues.
The shooting at East Towne Mall on Saturday prompted a temporary lockdown and left one person wounded in the leg. Police said someone opened fire during a fight between a group of young men.
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