The Fontana Unified School District Police Department is refusing to leave students unprotected and has purchased 14 AR-15 semi-automatic rifles in response to a number of recent shootings in the U.S., several occurring at schools.
Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks approved the purchase of the rifles, which are reportedly being stored in a locked safe intended for responding police officers during a shooting or attack,according to CBS Los Angeles.
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Fontana Police Chief Rodney Jones said it’s “unfortunate” that the school district had to resort to drastic measures, but added that “it’s the best message we can send to anybody that thinks to harm our children.”
“The message we’re sending is…not here, not now, we’re prepared for you. And if you seek to harm our children, we will neutralize that threat and you will most likely be killed,” he said.
Mayor Acquanetta Warren also supported the decision and said “our police officers need to be equipped.”
“Everyone wants children safe. At this time, we as a community, we have to come together and find other ways. But in the interim, our police officers need to be equipped,” she said.
