FL Guns on campus bill to go for vote near anniversary of FSU shooting

TAMPA (FOX 13) - November 20th, 2014 was one of the darkest days in FSU History.  That's when Myron May, an alumnus went into the packed Strozier Library and started shooting. Three students were wounded in the attack.

Like others before it, the shooting would put the issue of carrying guns on campus back into the forefront.
Could someone have stopped the shooter in his tracks?

"We've seen time and time again shootings in gun-free zones and I don't think that's the answer for the public policy in the state of Florida," said Republican Representative Greg Steube of Sarasota.

On Thursday - a win for supporters of the guns on campus bill, or H.B. 4001.  It passed its final committee stop and will be voted on in the full House in the 2016 legislative session.

Steube co-sponsored the proposed law.

"What started me down this hook was Sandy Hook," he said.

The idea of concealed weapons permit holders being allowed to carry guns on state college campuses is a fiercely divided one.

All 12 state universities, including USF in Tampa, oppose the bill - fearing it would do more harm than good.

USF students are split on the issue.

"I'm opposed just because I think it's going to end up promoting more violence," said USF junior Leslie Astralaga.

"So if people really want to carry a weapon and protect themselves and its legal and regulated, I'm perfectly all right with that," said USF sophomore Tyler Laidlaw.