An Indiana lawmaker sparked controversy after flashing a gun to high school students who were advocating for gun control at the statehouse. The incident was captured on video by a student from Burris Laboratory School in Muncie, who was participating in a day of advocacy with Students Demand Action. State Rep. Jim Lucas engaged in a discussion with the students about gun rights, during which he revealed that he was carrying a firearm. The video shows Lucas holding open his suit jacket to expose a holstered handgun. The lawmaker argued that people are not truly free unless they can defend themselves and criticized places where firearms are banned. However, one student expressed feeling unsafe with someone carrying a gun. Lucas has not provided a description of the incident, but described the conversation as one based on facts, reason, and logic. He also expressed concern about people being indoctrinated to fear self-defense and rely on the government for safety. The incident left the student feeling powerless, scared, and alone. Indiana lawmakers and their staff are permitted to carry handguns in the Capitol and on complex grounds. A bill has been introduced to extend this right to statewide elected officials and their staff. The video also captures Lucas suggesting that the students go to a gun range to learn how to shoot. After speaking to Lucas and other state representatives about gun control, the student felt unheard. Lucas had previously made controversial comments about gun control in 2020, stating that such laws would not prevent mass killings at schools. The lawmaker has faced prior legal issues, including pleading guilty to misdemeanor drunken driving charges last summer. However, he was allowed to retain his position as state law only prohibits those with felony convictions from holding elected office.
Indiana lawmaker, state Rep. Jim Lucas, flashed a gun to students visiting the statehouse to discuss gun control. The incident was captured on video by a high school student. Lucas defended gun rights during the conversation and eventually revealed that he was carrying a firearm. The students expressed their discomfort and stated that they did not feel safe. Lucas later described the conversation as a clash between facts and logic versus emotions. The students felt unheard and powerless after the encounter. Indiana lawmakers and their staff are allowed to carry handguns in the Capitol, and a bill introduced this year seeks to extend that right to statewide elected officials. Lucas previously made controversial comments about gun control at an event in 2020.
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