Supporters: CPL expansion a deterrent

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed a bill Tuesday that would have allowed concealed guns in places like schools and churches. But some of the bill's supporters think the governor made his decision based on emotion rather than safety.

Those who support the bill argue more concealed guns in places like schools would keep criminals out.

Tuesday was Tamara Black's first class at Silver Bullet firearms. She hopes to get her concealed pistol license (CPL). And she has her safety in mind.

"I didn't before, but since recent things, the last few years, yeah, it came up," said Black. "Shootings at schools, movie theaters."

And some argue that allowing concealed weapons in no-gun zones like schools and churches -- which the now-vetoed SB 59 would have done -- would make those areas more safer.

"All of those took place in pistol-free zones," said attorney Paul Ledford.

And it looked like Snyder was prepared to sign the bill -- until Friday. After the Sandy Hook shooting, he seemed more cautious. Tuesday, he said he would not sign the bill into law.

"Obviously the tragedy in Connecticut highlights it," he said.

Snyder said he vetoed the legislation due in part to the shooting. He also cited a shooting when he was in college that killed two.

"It was a terrible tragedy," Snyder said.

Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell called for a veto before the governor made it official. He said more guns on school grounds does not equal more safety.

"We are in the grips of a national insanity that defies reason," Heartwell said at a Tuesday morning city commission meeting. "20 babies slaughtered by a gunman, and someone would say let's get more guns into people's hands."

But Ledford said putting weapons in the hands of trustworthy people could stop some of the violence.

"Law-abiding citizens following the law, having the proper training, are the deterrent to a criminal," he said.

Both sides argue for more safety in schools and churches -- but there's a divide in how to get there.

It should be noted the enhanced training beyond a typical CPL was mandated by the vetoed bill to carry a concealed weapon in a no-gun zone under the vetoed bill.

The governor would rather have a more proactive approach to stemming violence that deals with mental health courts and community relations.