While there might have been others, at least one person in the baggage claim area at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport attack had a concealed handgun permit. Indeed, it is amazing that even this person is being reported. From the Associated Press:
Florida is one of six states that restrict firearms at the airport, declaring it a “gun-free” zone, along with schools and government meetings. Before the shooting, state legislators sought to relax those restrictions, arguing they prevent people from protecting themselves from attack. Opponents of those efforts, said having guns there would make them more dangerous. Gun-free zones at airports still allow for travelers to bring their firearms to the airport to be checked, and then retrieve it once they land. . . .
But Kevin Michalowski, executive editor of Concealed Carry magazine, said gun-free zones give a false sense of security. “What they do is provide a safe space for someone who decides to commit mass murder to go ahead and do it without anyone getting in his or her way,” he said.
Mark Lea, 53, had just flown in from Minnesota and was in the baggage claim area when the shooting began. He helped evacuate people and saw the shooter. Lea said he has a concealed carry permit but did not have his weapon with him because he was going on a cruise. He said he would have shot the man had he had his own weapon.
“Yes, by all means,” said Lea. “I would’ve shot him and not even thought twice about it.” . . .
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