Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. said Friday that more students should carry guns to protect themselves and others against a terrorist attack like the one that recently killed 14 in San Bernardino.
"I always thought that if more good people had concealed-carry permits, then we could end those Muslims before they walk in and kill," he said at the school's weekly convocation service,
CNN reported.
The speech generated vigorous applause from the thousands in the student audience, especially when Falwell said "If some of those people in that community center had what I have in my back pocket right now."
The day after the speech, Falwell
said in an interview with The Washington Post that he was not speaking about all Muslims, but about those that perpetrate violent attacks.
"That’s the only thing I would clarify," he said. "If I had to say what I said again, I’d say exactly the same thing."
American Syed Rizwan Farook and his Pakistan-born wife, Tashfeen Malik, are reported to have connections to known terrorists, and Malik pledged allegiance to ISIS' leader prior to the attack.
Falwell said in his speech that, "It just blows my mind when I see the President of the United States say that the answer to circumstances like this is more gun control." He added advised students in the crown "to get your permit."
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University is one of the few campuses in the U.S. that allows guns, and has a free gun training course.
A spokesman for Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) condemned Falwell's remarks on Saturday.
"My administration is committed to making Virginia an open and welcoming Commonwealth, while also ensuring the safety of all of our citizens. Mr. Falwell’s rash and repugnant comments detract from both of those crucial goals," McAuliffe said. "Those of us in leadership positions, whether in government or education, must take care to remember the tremendous harm that can result from reckless words."
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