Jerry Falwell Jr: Resident Halls Could Soon No Longer Be Gun Free Zones
Students at Liberty University heard from their president in person Wednesday for the first time since his comments about Muslims and arming students went viral.
Thousands expressed their support for Jerry Falwell Jr.
Falwell says his comments were taken out of context.
He says he was specifically speaking about the radical Islamic terrorists who killed 14 in California last week.
He says the largest gathering of young Christians is already a target, but he assured students their safety is his top priority.
Most students agree with their President Jerry Falwell Jr. following his controversial remarks regarding muslims.
"I don't think he meant anything ill by it, he was just speaking his mind."
"I trust his judgement."
Others believe it could've been handled better.
"I think it was poorly worded, because it was too easy to directly quote him and make it sound like something else when he was trying to say something else. I also think he may have applied too heavily that muslims were the issues and not Islamic extremists."
Wednesday morning, students greeted Falwell with a standing ovation.
"They only used part of my quote in some of my news reports and the support, love, and messages I received from all of you meant the world to me and I just want to thank you very much for that," said Falwell Jr.
Falwell said 950 students were in the building with their conceal and carry permits.
And he added that soon dorms will no longer be gun free zones as well.
"That's because of a lot of requests I've received from you, from students about it not being a good idea having gun free zones in the residence halls, so we're making that change at your request," said Falwell Jr.
Some students are expressing a wait and see attitude.
"There's a lot of people on the halls who I think can responsibly own a gun, I'm concerned about people maybe being a little stupid, showing it off, and too many people knowing where the gun is," said a student.
Falwell says parking lots used to be close to dorms, and kids kept guns in their cars, but now construction and expansion parking lots are farther away.
"I do believe we'll be safer, I don't think we'll be any less safe so I think it's a good idea," said a student.
