JEFFERSON CITY — In the wake of yet another terrorist attack on American soldiers, several Missouri state senators called on the governor today (7-18) to issue an executive order to allow soldiers and airmen in the Missouri National Guard to carry loaded weapons at military installations in the Show-Me State. This recent attack happened at a United States Marine Corp facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. 

“We are fighting a global war on terrorism,” said Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Health, Sen. Dan Brown, R-Rolla.

Senator Brown’s district includes the sprawling Army base of Fort Leonard Wood that trains 80,000-90,000 military and civilians each year.

“It is inconceivable to me why the president refuses to allow our men and women in uniform to have the tools necessary to defend themselves against clear acts of terrorism on American soil,” Brown continued.

“Here in Missouri we believe strongly in the Second Amendment right to bear arms for our citizens,” said Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, one of the Legislature’s most recognized experts in firearms law. “We call on our state’s chief executive to make sure that every person who wears the uniform of the Missouri National Guard, including those who work in tactically vulnerable locations such as recruiting offices statewide, be granted this same protection by being authorized to carry weapons in self-defense.” 

The Missouri National Guard and Air National Guard maintain facilities and armories all across the Show-Me State where thousands of personnel work and train. 

“In light of recent terrorist attacks and foiled plots in our sister states, we urge the governor to issue an executive order without delay to do what politicians inside the ‘beltway’ in Washington, D.C. refuse to do,” said Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin. “We expect a lot from these brave men and women, and they in return should expect to be given every protection in order to return safely home to their families.”

In recent years there have been a number of attacks and foiled plots against military installations in states such as Texas, Arkansas, California, Kansas, Virginia and New York. 

“This senseless sacrifice of American blood at the altar of political correctness must come to an immediate stop,” demanded Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles. “I call on Missouri’s governor to join with the governors of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana to protect Missouri citizens in uniform from this glaring vulnerability.”