National Rifle Association (NRA) spokeswoman Dana Loesch on Sunday called for an end or alteration to gun-free zones following a shooting at a Jacksonville, Fla., entertainment center that bans firearms on the premises.
“A horrible tragedy. End gun free zones or have the security in place to keep people safe in them,” Loesch tweeted as reports emerged about a shooting at Jacksonville Landing.
A gunman killed two people and injured nine others when he opened fire during a Madden NFL 19 tournament at the GLHF Game Bar. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old David Katz of Baltimore, Md., died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.{mosads}
The Jacksonville Landing rules of conduct bar visitors from bringing a weapon onto the property, even if it is legally owned and carried. Only law enforcement officers are exempted.
The NRA has called for an end to “gun free zones,” particularly following a number of recent shootings. The organization renewed its calls for the change following a shooting at a Parkland, Fla., high school in February, reasoning that schools should be “hardened” to protect against potential threats.
Opponents of the policy have called for stricter gun laws, with some Democrats supporting a ban on high-capacity weapons, and raising the minimum age requirement to purchase a firearm.