Rep. Lowey meets with students, law enforcement on gun violence

<p>Democratic Rep. Nita Lowey emerged from a meeting with students and law enforcement officers at the White Plains Public Library Friday to call for expanded background checks for gun purchasers.</p>

News 12 Staff

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Feb 23, 2018, 5:49 PM

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Updated 2,493 days ago

Rep. Lowey meets with students, law enforcement on gun violence

Democratic Rep. Nita Lowey emerged from a meeting with students and law enforcement officers at the White Plains Public Library Friday to call for expanded background checks for gun purchasers.

She hosted a forum on gun violence following a high school shooting in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead. Students from White Plains, Iona Prep and Blindbrook attended.

"At least if we can do adequate expanded background checks, perhaps we can prevent some of these violent acts," Lowey said.

Rep. Lowey added that she's proud to have an "F" rating from the National Rifle Association.

Iona Prep Sophomore Joseph Kennedy said during the roundtable discussion that he supports allowing teachers to carry guns in classrooms.

"I believe in the Second Amendment and the right for citizens to bear arms. And if a teacher volunteers to bear arms, I think that is perfectly acceptable," said Kennedy.

White Plains High School Junior Henry McCant disagreed, and said allowing teachers to carry guns is not the answer to stopping school shootings.

"By introducing more guns in the situation is not really a solution. I think stricter gun laws need to be put in place to prevent the whole problem," he said.

Many of the students at the roundtable said they plan to participate in the National School Walkout Day in mid-March to protest gun violence.