Errington responds to threats against Indiana schools this week

This week, middle and high schools across the state have received unrelated security gun threats from students, forcing school closures and delays. These threats have affected schools in cities from all corners of the state, including Crothersville, Mooresville, Valparaiso, Center Grove, Lafayette, Marion, Anderson and Indianapolis. Police have made more than 20 juvenile arrests in response to these threats.

State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) released the following statement in response:

"Indiana is experiencing a crisis. The longer we continue to ignore it, incidents like these will continue to occur.

"When a student threatens a school and their peers, there is clearly more going on behind the scenes. The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that 33.7% of Hoosier students say they experienced poor mental health, while 47% reported feeling sad or helpless. If our kids feel backed into a corner, they are likelier to lash out and make destructive decisions.

"We must also address how students are gaining access to dangerous weapons like guns. In Muncie, you can hop over to a gun store, retail store or even the fairgrounds to purchase a firearm. Almost anyone can buy a gun in Indiana, and in turn, these weapons end up in the hands of children.

"My Democratic colleague State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis) and captain in the Marion County Sheriff's office, has repeatedly authored safe storage legislation that would require gun owners to lock up their firearms. Gore has reintroduced this piece of legislation each year since 2021, and every time the majority has stopped the legislation dead in its tracks. This legislation has the potential to save lives and we need to appeal to lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum to get this done.

"Last session, I offered an amendment to HEA 1235 that would have restored control to local governments, allowing cities and towns to regulate firearms. HEA 1235 it strips local control from cities and towns to be able to hold manufacturers accountable for deaths and injuries resulting from guns. This too, was dismissed by Republicans.

"When students from Burris Laboratory School brought their concerns to the Statehouse this past session, they were met with a holstered gun mockingly waved in their faces by a Republican legislator. If members of the General Assembly are comfortable flashing firearms directly at children, then how can we expect students to treat the issue seriously? Until all legislators treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves, we can expect a continued rise in violent incidents.

"We cannot continue to look away while children are at direct risk on school grounds. The answer isn't just increased security and active shooter drills or arming teachers. It is ensuring all Hoosier students are heard, supported and receive the care they deserve. It is prioritizing sensible legislation to keep weapons away from children.

"I will not stand idly by while our schools are threatened with senseless violence. To the students and school faculty affected by these threats, I stand with you. I will continue to put pressure on the Republican majority to adopt policy on this multifaceted issue."