Georgia Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Reports of Shots Fired by Teacher at Georgia High School

DALTON, Ga. – The Georgia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, responded to reports that a teacher at a Dalton high school blockaded a classroom door and fired multiple shots. While one student was injured during the evacuation, no additional injuries were reported.

Since the mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida two weeks ago, elected leaders including President Donald Trump have advocated for arming school personnel, including teachers. As the news from Dalton indicates, arming teachers is a dangerous and short-sighted idea that actually increases the risk to students. That’s exactly why teachers and school safety experts largely oppose this idea.

In 2014, Georgia passed a law that allows teachers and employees to carry guns in schools at the discretion of the local school board. It is unclear at this time whether the local school board had authorized any individuals to carry guns in schools.

STATEMENT FROM ANDREA TEICHNER, VOLUNTEER LEADER WITH THE GEORGIA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Once again today, students evacuated their school in panic at the sound of gun shots. While I’m relieved that nobody was seriously injured, this is yet another reminder of how dangerous it is to have guns in schools. In light of the public outcry following the Parkland shooting and this latest incident, I urge elected leaders to focus on policies that will actually make schools safer – like making guns inaccessible for people with dangerous histories.”