In the aftermath of a jihadist gunman targeting a recruiting station and a reserve center, killing four Marines and a Navy officer last week in Chattanooga, a Florida congressman is taking the lead to get the Obama administration to bolster security for armed forces members.
At the end of last week, U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., led efforts in Congress to urge U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter to allow military personnel to arm themselves when at recruiting stations and other domestic posts.
Mica rounded up 20 members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., to sign off on the letter which was sent to Carter on Friday.
“In light of the most recent attack in which four Marines were killed at military service centers, domestic terrorist attacks and threats from ISIS on our military, we request you take immediate steps to allow our military personnel to be armed at these facilities,” the representatives wrote. “Since ISIS has declared war on the U.S. military, it is time we allow our service men and women to be armed to defend themselves. As we have learned from these attacks, soft targets like recruiting centers are at risk, and in these instances there were signs that read ‘gun-free zone.’
“Again, with a direct and specific threat from ISIS to attack American military facilities, it is vital that the department immediately institute measures to protect our service members and interests at home and abroad,” the representatives added. “We would be glad to meet with you to discuss this matter, but I encourage you to act immediately.”
Mica, who had led efforts to arm pilots and airline crew after 9/11, explained why he organized the letter.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those lost in yesterday’s attacks,” Mica said. “It is striking to note that a sign posted on one of the recruiting centers in Tennessee proclaims that the facility is a gun-free zone. ISIS has declared war on our military and we cannot deny our service men and women the right and opportunity to defend themselves.
“We’ve entered a new era: ISIS has repeatedly urged loan-wolf attackers to kill and terrorize American military personnel,” Mica added. “Recently, militants secured the records of American military personnel and have specifically targeted those serving the Middle East Theater and their families. Despite this fact, a policy that dates back to the Clinton administration restricts certain U.S. service members from being armed at many military locations.”
Mica said he was open to pushing a bill through Congress if the Obama administration did not want to arm military personnel.
“We must ensure that no other service men and women are lost without at least having the chance to properly defend themselves,” Mica said. “If the secretary does not act, I will support legislation to make certain that this goal is accomplished.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
