McAuliffe Reacts Negatively to Liberty University President's Comments on Campus Carry

Jerry Falwell Jr., the President of Liberty University, made comments Friday that included advising Liberty students to arm themselves.  The comments brought a strong rebuke from Governor Terry McAuliffe. Focusing on Falwell's comments about "lets teach them a lesson if they show up here" which McAuliffe took as targeting Muslims, he responded:

"My administration is committed to making Virginia an open and welcoming Commonwealth, while also ensuring the safety of all of our citizens," McAuliffe said in a statement issued late Saturday. "Mr. Falwell's rash and repugnant comments detract from both of those crucial goals."

Falwell is focused on the safety of his students, to the point that he has arranged for free concealed handgun permit courses for students:

"I just want to take this opportunity to encourage all of you to get your permit. We offer a free course and lets teach them a lesson if they ever show up here," said Falwell.

Additionally, WDBJ 7 reported that Since Falwell's comments, a range in Lynchburg has seen a 20 percent increase in sign-ups for concealed-carry permit classes. 

Liberty University to stay gun free

The Lynchburg News and Advance reported this morning that the Liberty University Board of Trustees has decided to continue to ban firearms on campus.

It was believed by some (this writer included) that the private conservative Christian university was Virginia's best chance at getting self-defense policy in place at a major four-year college or university. In the end, the governing board opted not to allow commonsense to prevail. While the decision is disappointing, it should not be a complete surprise as the usual comments ("can't imagine handing out grades to students with guns") were thrown out in the article from those opposing the change in policy.

Currently only Blue Ridge Community College allows students to carry on campus.

Liberty University Students Gets Off Campus Gun Range

The Liberty Journal reported on February 5 that Liberty University in Lynchburg, will allow students to use the university’s off-campus firearm ranges. Till now the ranges have primarily been used to train LU’s police officers. The two ranges are located on Gun Range Road across from Liberty Village and permit the use of rifles, shotguns and handguns during designated shooting hours.

The Journal reports that on-campus students will be required to store their firearms with the Liberty University Police Department (LUPD) when not using the range. Commuter students travelling to the range must keep their firearms unloaded and stored in the trunk of their vehicle. Anyone caught in possession of a firearm on university property outside of the shooting ranges will be subject to disciplinary action as defined by LUPD protocol. Off-campus students who fail to properly store their firearm in their vehicle will be disciplined, as well.

Students must pass a safety course issued by LUPD before they will be able to use either range. The first class begins on Feb. 20, 6-10 p.m., with the final on-site training taking place the following day. Upon completing the course, the range will be available to participants two days per week from 1 p.m. until dusk. Only five students will be allowed on the shooting line at one time with additional shooting times to be added if needed.

Hat tip to VA-Alert.