Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel believes that raising the age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21 is “on the table” as Republicans toss out potential legislative ideas in response to last week’s school shooting in Parkland, Fla.
McDaniel said that while the top priority is to increase security in schools and the safety of students, raising the minimum age is something Republicans could support.
“We’re going to see where the conversation goes,” McDaniel told the Washington Examiner. “I think the president’s been very thoughtful in what he’s proposing. He’s listening to these parents. I think universally, we want to make sure our schools are safe. Period.”
“I don’t know. We’ll see where that goes. I think it’s on the table,” McDaniel said of raising the minimum age. “We have to look at the whole picture.”
McDaniel’s comments follow those of President Trump, who has floated raising the age, allowing teacher to carry concealed firearms in schools, and strengthening background checks.
While many Republicans have come out in support of allowing teachers to carry concealed weapons, some are skeptical. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a professor at Stanford University, said Friday that she does not believe that will solve the problem.
“I’m not going to be one of them,” Rice said, referring to teachers who might be armed. “I don’t really like the idea, frankly, of a gun in my classroom.”
