NRA pushes for officers in schools

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - More push is coming to place security officers in schools. One national organization is willing to foot the bill for a special program.

The National Rifle Association organized a major news conference Friday.   

The event followed an initial decision by them to remain silent following the elementary school shooting in Connecticut.   

Initially, the NRA's Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said they wanted to remain respectively silent in the wake of this tragedy.   

But now they're speaking out.  

The nation's largest gun-owners lobbying group called out to Congress. They want to place armed police officers in every school in America.   

LaPierre believes gun-free school zones leave kids vulnerable.   

NRA officials blame media coverage for demonizing firearms and gun owners.  

They said the blame should be put on violent video games and movies and the nation's mental health care programs.   

The NRA also announced they will create a "model National School Shield" program to enhance security in schools.   

The NRA would foot the bill for the program model and place former congressman Asa Hutchinson at its head.   

The program will help schools across America train security officers and develop security plans free of charge.   

News 10 spoke to a few people in the community Friday to find out they felt about the NRA's proposal.   

One woman said knowing her six-year-old sister would have protection helps her sleep better at night.

"I feel fine with a police officer being in our schools because it would make me feel like our kids are being kept safe. I have a six-year-old sister who’s in school and I would want to know that they are fine,” said Molly, Terre Haute resident.

"I think it would be a good thing because I think it would add a sense of security for the kids that have maybe went through something like that or seen that on the news, maybe to make them feel more safe,” said Will, Terre Haute resident.   

NRA officials said the National School Shield program is designed to make use of local volunteers serving in our own communities.   

We contacted the NRA for comment, but they said officials won't be taking questions from media until Monday.

To learn more about the National School Shield program, head to their website .