© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Durbin Considers Arming Military Members in U.S.

military salute

The question of whether members of the military should be allowed to arm themselves is getting more attention in the wake of last week's shooting death of five service members in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Chairmen of both the House and Senate Armed Services committees say they are already working on legislation to clarify when a post commander may allow service members to be armed while in the U.S.

Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin says he believes that members of the military should be allowed to protect themselves when they are functioning in uniform, and in an official capacity.
 
"I'm open to ways the military may suggest to do achieve that; mandating at some federal level that everyone carry a gun, or something like that, may go overboard."
 
In 2009, twelve service members were killed in a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas.  A 2013, shooting at the Washington Navy Yard, left twelve civilian employees dead.  Both shootings prompted questions of best how to protect individuals at domestic military facilities.
 

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.