Anti-gun groups like The Brady Campaign are condemning Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) for allowing National Rifle Association instructors to train his state’s national guard members in civilian concealed carry courses.
Guns.com reported that governors across the country had been increasing security for national guard members after the shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee that left four dead.
Pence put forward a plan that will allow Indiana Army and Air National Guard Members to carry personal concealed weapons provided they have permits and received training.
“Quite simply, I will not allow our citizen soldiers to remain unable to defend themselves and our citizens at facilities around the state. Those who serve in the Indiana Army and Air National Guard, and their families, make great sacrifices for the people of Indiana. They deserve nothing less than our best efforts to see to their safety and security, and that is the very foundation of my decision,” Pence told the Indiana Star back in July.
The NRA decided to provide free certified instructors for national guardsmen, which angered some on the left.
“There is no institution better equipped to train our servicemen and women than the U.S. military itself. This is not a job for lobbyists,” the Brady Campaign President Dan Gross told the Associated Press.
Indiana is so far the only state to involve NRA training for guardsman who carry concealed firearms.
