Headline: Dayton VA Medical Center shooting revives gun ban debate

The subject of so called "no-guns" victim zones is once again being discussed, and this time by those not often willing to give the problem the kind of attention the subject deserves: the media.

From a report by WXIX, Dayton's Fox affiliate:

In the wake of a shooting early this month at a VA hospital in Dayton, that city's FOX affiliate is asking if the hospital's ban on concealed carry should be lifted.

Should places like the VA allow people to carry concealed weapons? Currently, there is a weapons ban in place on their property. Many times, signs are displayed prohibiting the presence of guns on the property.

Despite that, these shootings are still happening.

"It just lets them know that nobody's armed, nobody's there to stop them. The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," said Kyle Hufford, president of Kyle's Gunshop.

Ted Froats, public affairs officer for the VA Medical Center in Dayton says the hospital has those signs.

Should those signs come down, and allow people to carry? That's the question.

"I honestly think it should be expanded," said Dan Moeller, who lives in Milford.

But, for Moeller, he's on the other side of a fine line when it comes to hospitals.

"On one hand, you want people to be protected. But, on the other hand, that's a place where people should go and feel safe already. They do have security on the premises. That should be enough," said Moeller.

Except it wasn't enough. According to Ted Froats, public affairs officer for the VA Medical Center, the VA has a fully trained, armed police force. Despite their presence in the building, however, they not only failed to stop this incident, they didn't even apprehend the suspect, who got away and was arrested miles away after turning himself in.

Joe Kalil is the constable of Boone County as well at the director of the POST Program, an initiative designed to train school personnel to carry a concealed weapon in the hallways. He tells FOX19 that when he became constable, he was able to get those signs taken down at Boone County buildings, and some buildings in Kenton County.

"It actually makes that building, regardless of where it is or who owns it, more susceptible to danger," said Kalil.

On top of that, he'd also like to see a wider ability to carry a concealed weapon.

"It's a God-given right for human beings to be able to protect themselves. Why are we removing that right from the law-abiding citizen?" asks Kalil.

For some, hospitals fall in that category.

"I think your average law abiding citizen, there's no problem with them having a gun in a hospital," said Adam Hershorin, who lives in Clifton.

Telling people that they are safe behind "no-guns" signs, or that having armed presence somewhere in the building will ensure their safety, is a fallacy. Each and every individual deserves the ability of self-protection.

Chad D. Baus is the Buckeye Firearms Association Secretary, BFA PAC Vice Chairman, and an NRA-certified firearms instructor.

Additional Information:

Fox News - Media bias on gun free zones