Before the tragic specter of school shootings haunted the minds of Americans, the Columbine High School massacre on April 20th, 1999, shocked the public and left indelible memories in the minds of men, women, and children across the nation. For Americans who value their constitutional right to bear arms, the tragedy marked the beginning of renewed efforts by state and federal government to infringe on their citizens’ 2nd Amendment rights.

Now the Columbine generation has come of age, and one survivor turned lawmaker is fighting back against the tide of gun control. Colorado State Representative Patrick Neville has introduced a bill which would allow licensed teachers to carry guns on school grounds in Colorado.

“The only thing that is going to stop murderers intent on doing harm is to give good people the legal authority to carry a gun to protect themselves and our children,” Neville said, according to The Hill.

“More of my friends would still be alive today.”

Neville also blasted current policies that fail to address the threat.

“Unfortunately, the current system continues to leave our children as sitting targets for criminals intent on doing harm,” he said.