'Nothing about that makes me feel safe': Indiana GOP rep flashes gun during students’ statehouse visit

During a conversation with a group of high school student advocates against gun violence Wednesday, a state Republican representative thought showing them his gun would discourage their efforts.

IndyStar reports, Rep. Jim Lucas "struck up a conversation with the students, which resulted in a discussion about gun laws and school shootings, according to The Statehouse File."

The video shared to X/Twitter by The Statehouse File shows Lucas flashing his gun holster, then disregarding the concern of one student who said, "nothing about that makes me feel safe." The GOP leader replied, "those are feelings, I’m talking facts."

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According to a CBS4Indy report, state Democrats released a statement following the incident, saying, "Indiana Republicans seemingly have enough time to belittle and intimidate high school students in between passing laws defunding the police, expanding child labor, and helping the gun lobby get off in court. This supermajority puts the interests of the gun lobby over those of our local governments, and even the safety of Hoosier students. It’s wrong, and it’s time to check their power at the ballot box in November. Indiana Republicans say laws can’t stop gun violence. They have no plan to stop gun violence because they do not believe it is possible. We all deserve an Indiana where students – and everyone in our communities – feel safe and gun-owning Hoosiers can do so safely and responsibly."

CBS4Indy notes, "The exchange between Lucas and students comes after a bill that would expand the right to carry firearms into the state capitol was passed by the Senate Corrections Committee, and now heads to the House."

Last June, Lucas was arrested for driving under the influence, crashing his truck and ultimately fleeing the scene, according to WRTV. The GOP lawmaker accepted a plea deal to avoid jail time.

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