McNally's Meek Reply

In the wake of school shooting, McNally offers band aids instead of real answers

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Tennessee Lt. Governor Randy McNally has issued a list of measures he thinks would help address the issue of school shootings after Monday’s devastating event at a private elementary school in Nashville.

The proposal includes additional security measures at schools but does nothing to limit access to firearms.

Here is what McNally has proposed, per the Tennessee Journal:

1) Securing windows and glass in school buildings — As you know, the perpetrator in the most recent school shooting shot out the glass of the school’s doors to gain entry. My understanding is that there is a film that can be affixed to the windows and doors in schools that would be bullet proof or resistant.

2) Magnetic locks on doors — Keyed locks can cause delays in police response in an emergency. Magnetic locks, however, can be critical in keeping shooters out while allowing police and first responders speedier access in a crisis.

3) Centralized and modernized camera systems — Outfitting schools with the latest security camera systems can also assist in response to these incidents. If police can get immediate access to these systems, they can quickly identify the location of the perpetrator and can work even faster to eliminate the threat and keep children safe.

4) Armed guards — While we have made great progress in making sure our public schools have access to School Resource Officers, I believe we can do more. Reports indicate that the shooter at Covenant chose the school because of its minimal security. If we can ensure that all schools, public and private, have armed guards, we may be able to cut down on these events significantly.

Note that NONE of these ideas would limit access to the weapons so often used to carry out these mass killings.

Also, while there has been some social media excitement around McNally’s supposed willingness to consider Red Flag laws, it’s worth noting that excitement should be tempered by McNally’s own admitted weakness.

Chris Davis NC5 @ChrisDavisMMJ

Lt. Gov. McNally says he’s open to some sort of red flag law, opposes long guns being expanded into Permitless carry and opposes teachers being armed. But puts in the caveat, even though he’s the Speaker of the Senate, he can’t speak for all of leadership. @NC5

Meanwhile, here’s what McNally had to say about extending permitless carry in Tennessee to the age of 18:

Here’s what McNally said about the extension of permitless carry:

"There is a danger," said McNally, a Republican from Oak Ridge. "With the gangs and things like that, a lot of times they use children that are 18 years old because they go to juvenile court."

McNally adds that he feels almost obligated to support the bill after Tennessee Attorney General Johnathan Skrmetti signed off on a court agreement that would officially lower the age if a judge officially signs off on the deal.

"I told him at that time that I didn’t like it, but I’d have to hold my nose and go along with it," said McNally.

Shorter McNally:

We have a problem, and I’m the leader of the Senate, but I’m not a leader and I can’t deliver results.