February 19, 2010
CROTON FALLS, NY – 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.
The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus is strongly opposed to such legislation. The college age years are among the most volatile periods in a person’s life. These are the peak years for abusing alcohol and drugs, attempting suicide, and having mental health problems. 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, the American Associaton of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and more than 120 individual colleges and universities from 30 states have joined the Campaign by signing onto a resolution that opposes guns on campus.
Said Johnson, “America’s colleges and universities are currently among the safest environments for students. We want to keep it that way.”
