Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus Issues Statement on Northern Illinois University Shooting

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Feb 19, 2010, 06:25 ET

CROTON FALLS, N.Y., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A Northern Illinois University student was shot by a fellow student in the early morning hours of Friday, Feb. 19, outside a student residence hall. The shooting occurred during an argument between the two. A handgun was involved. The victim's injuries are not considered life-threatening. The alleged shooter was apprehended by NIU police and is in custody.

John Johnson, outreach coordinator for the Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus issued the following statement in response to the shooting:

"This shooting is the perfect example of the concern with allowing persons to carry concealed handguns in public places – the unintended consequences. In this case, a shooting during an argument. It also reminds us of the potentially deadly consequences that can result when a gun is brought into a confrontational situation. It is fortunate that no one was killed in this incident.

"Following mass shootings at Virginia Tech (2007) and Northern Illinois University (2008), the gun lobby is pushing legislation in several states to allow students to carry concealed weapons on college campuses – in classrooms, student centers, and at sporting events – and to keep guns in student residence halls and fraternity houses. Although Illinois and Wisconsin are the only states that prohibit the carrying of concealed and loaded firearms in public, the gun lobby is targeting both states to reverse those sensible public safety laws.

"The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus is strongly opposed to legislation to force the carrying of hidden and loaded guns onto campuses. The college age years are among the most volatile periods in a person's life with the risks of alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, mental health problems and extreme stress. If guns are readily available, it is more likely that these situations will result in serious injury or death."

The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus is urging colleges and universities to band together to fight the gun lobby's agenda to push guns into college campuses. To date, more than 120 colleges and universities from 30 states have joined the Campaign by signing onto a resolution that opposes guns on campus.

View current list at www.keepgunsoffcampus.org.

SOURCE Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus