Testimony: Statistics, ‘Lunatic slaughterers,’ ‘We think it’s crazy’

Boise Police Chief Michael Masterson said his department opposes HB 222, and he sought to clarify some of the statistics presented to the committee yesterday. Boise is one of the safest cities in the nation, he said. In violent crimes recorded in the city, he said, “In 97 percent, the victim knew their attacker.” Most are not attacks by strangers, he said.

Erik Makrush, lobbyist for the Idaho Freedom Foundation, told the House State Affairs Committee, “If a person really wanted to commit a violent act using a weapon, there is nothing on college campuses that would prevent them from doing that. … Law-abiding citizens want to abide by the law, and … they would have an opportunity if this bill passes to do so.”

Richard Twight talked of “lunatic slaughterers who go onto campus to kill people.” He told the committee, “As we all know, there are victims. … A woman always moves through isolated areas or on streets at night with fear in her heart.”

Emily Walton, a Boise State University student, told the committee, “I don’t think that guns belong on a school campus, concealed or un-concealed. … It would add more tension to our campus. I think it would alter the atmosphere and I don’t want that. Students are not asking for this to happen. …. Honestly, we think it’s crazy.”

Kent Kunz, government relations director for Idaho State University, said ISU opposes HB 222. “We believe in local control,” he said.