Longtime NYC police chief: Giving teachers guns is ‘the height of lunacy’

Former New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton on Thursday said suggestions by President Trump and gun advocates to arm teachers to prevent school shootings is “the height of lunacy.”

“Are we also then going to arm school bus drivers and school crossing guards. The #NRA & gun manufacturers would love that,” Bratton tweeted.

“The answer to gun violence isn’t more guns. NYC 25yr gun related violence decline, continuing this year, clearly shows that fewer guns has resulted in dramatically less gun related violence of all types,” Bratton added.

Proposals to arm American teachers are the height of lunacy. Are we also then going to arm school bus drivers and school crossing guards. The #NRA & gun manufacturers would love that.

— Bill Bratton (@CommissBratton) February 22, 2018

The answer to gun violence isn’t more guns. NYC 25yr gun related violence decline, continuing this year, clearly shows that fewer guns has resulted in dramatically less gun related violence of all types, much as the 10yr ban on assault weapons lowered crime involving that weapon.

— Bill Bratton (@CommissBratton) February 22, 2018

Trump on Thursday afternoon reiterated his suggestion to arm teachers in an effort to prevent future school shootings. He suggested those who undergo training to wield a firearm could receive bonuses.

{mosads}

“I want my schools protected just like I want my banks protected,” Trump said during a meeting with local and state officials on school safety.

Bratton, who previously served as head of police in New York City, Boston and Los Angeles, called the concept an “ill thought out” political band-aid. Instead, he called for improved background checks and regulations without loopholes.

Trump’s comments echo those made earlier Thursday by National Rifle Association (NRA) CEO Wayne LaPierre. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, LaPierre said increased security is the best defense against future school shootings.

“Evil walks among us, and God help us if we don’t harden our schools and protect our kids,” LaPierre said.

The president’s idea to arm teachers has faced opposition from educators and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

A gunman opened fire last week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., killing 17 people and injuring more than a dozen others.

In the wake of the shooting, gun control advocates, Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans have called for legislation to curb gun violence. The students from Stoneman Douglas have been among the most vocal proponents of new gun laws.