Outrage as Tennessee lawmakers approve bill allowing teachers to carry concealed handguns in schools
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Social media erupted with anger when lawmakers in Tennessee passed a contentious bill allowing teachers to bring guns into schools.
On the social media platform X (previously known as Twitter), countless users condemned the law, equating it to sheer insanity.
Tennessee lawmakers pass bill to allow teachers to carry guns
As per the Colorado Springs Gazette, the Tennessee House recently became the stage for quite an uproar. The House passed a controversial bill allowing teachers to carry guns, sparking chaos and protests on the state House floor.
The timing couldn't have been more sensitive, as it happened just over a year after the tragic Covenant school shooting, where three students and three adults lost their lives. Democrats and gun control activists strongly opposed the bill, making their voices heard loud and clear in the state Capitol building.
Witnesses described a tense atmosphere, with protesters waving signs that screamed "Blood. On. Your. Hands." Inside the House, Republican and Democratic lawmakers clashed in heated debates, accusing each other of breaking rules.
Tennessee Republicans just cut off debate and passed a bill to arm teachers in our schools.
— Rep. Justin Jones (@brotherjones_) April 23, 2024
The public chanted “Blood on your hands!” as the Speaker ordered troopers to clear the gallery.
This is what fascism looks like. pic.twitter.com/9mg67oWMxM
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican, had to throw out at least one protester for causing too much disruption, according to reports.
Despite efforts by Democrats to amend the bill, like making sure handguns are only accessible during emergencies and informing parents about guns on campus, Republicans turned down these proposals, as per USA Today.
Governor Bill Lee is expected to give the bill the green light. It allows teachers and school staff to carry concealed guns if approved by school leaders, but their identities will be kept under wraps from parents, students, and even fellow teachers, the Gazette reports.
Internet asserts Tennessee lawmakers are becoming 'autocrats'
People online vented their anger and disapproval over the bill.
A user wrote, "This is insanity! Extremist Tennessee Republicans cut off debate and pass a bill to arm teachers. Just another example of how statehouses have become Laboratories of Autocracy. Gallery chants “Blood On Your Hands.” VOTE🗳️them all out! #wtpBlue #DemVoice1"
This is insanity! Extremist Tennessee Republicans cut off debate and pass a bill to arm teachers. Just another example of how statehouses have become Laboratories of Autocracy. Gallery chants “Blood On Your Hands.” VOTE🗳️them all out! #wtpBlue #DemVoice1 pic.twitter.com/DHxoO3u2FB
— Brian Cardone 🏴☠️🇺🇦 (@cardon_brian) April 23, 2024
Another user wrote, "Obviously they are no longer governing at all. Now they're dictating. Being Dictators. I can't believe this is allowed to happen anyplace and why the Feds can't stop it."
Obviously they are no longer governing at all.
— A NYer-(Ron) -RESISTER- ALL BLUE! (@LongIslander520) April 23, 2024
Now they're dictating.
Being Dictators.
I can't believe this is allowed to happen anyplace and why the Feds can't stop it.
A user commented, "I swear Tenn is beginning to look like Russia where people have no rights."
I swear Tenn is beginning to look like Russia where people have no rights
— Claire nettles (@Clairenettles1) April 23, 2024
Another user commented, "Tennessee has ENOUGH gun violence already, they are so WRONG."
Tennessee has ENOUGH gun violence already, they are so WRONG
— Having Said That 🗣🇺🇦 (@Lalaej) April 23, 2024
A user stated, "We're living in two different Americas with one seeming to have lost all touch with reality. I seriously ask whether this union can survive?"
We're living in two different Americas with one seeming to have lost all touch with reality. I seriously ask whether this union can survive?
— BernieK 🟦✡️ (@BernieKram) April 23, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.