Former Congressman Asa Hutchinson unveiled his new, National Rifle Association-commissioned plan for safe schools in Washington, D.C. this morning.
In a 225-page report, Hutchinson recommends a training program for "armed personnel in a school environment" and suggests that the NRA should develop and implement a model program.
"School safety is a complex issue with no simple, single solution, but I believe trained, qualified armed security is one key component among many," Hutchinson said, in a press conference unveiling the NRA's Education and Training Emergency Response Program.
The report calls for states to change current laws to allow for a school staff member to carry a firearm at every school in the country.
"I think there are people in every community in this country who would be happy to serve if only someone asked them and gave them the training and certifications to do so," he said.
The NRA released a statement this morning saying it needs time to digest the full report. The group can accept or reject the recommendations.
"We commend Asa Hutchinson for his rapid response in the aftermath of the Newtown tragedy, and we are certain the contributions he and his team have made will go a long way to making America's schools safer," the group said in a statement emailed to reporters.
The plan has been in the works since December. A week after the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, the NRA's executive vice president Wayne LaPierre announced the program during a press conference where he said, "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."
His comments fueled the gun control debate nationwide.
