By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – Over 100 advocates of the Second Amendment rallied in front of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts Sunday afternoon.

Waving American flags and signs reading phrases such as “Old enough to defend the U.S., old enough to defend myself,” the crowd called for their gun rights to remain unimpeded by the government.

Zach Lopeman, an attendee of the rally, explained while there might not be a perfect answer as to how the country can lower the number of shootings, allowing licensed people to carry concealed weapons at least provides a measure of defense.

“There’s no one right answer to anything on this. And this is all personal opinion, I think we do need to look at mental illness in this country. I do think we need to check on that more,” Lopeman said. “I think if a teacher, or anybody, in their profession wants to carry at their place of work they should be able to. I don’t think we should require anyone to.”

Lopeman also said legislators from both sides of the aisle need to “come together and have an honest conversation” about guns.

Maureen Barnes, one of the advocates at the rally, said since the FBI failed to follow up on tips concerning the recent shooting in Florida, handing over guns would leave citizens vulnerable.

“If they take our guns away, we’re depending on this government – who has already failed us – to protect us. And that’s just completely illogical,” Barnes explained.

One advocate, who wished to remain anonymous, said he doesn’t want his family to remain defenseless if someone attempts to do them harm.

“Police cannot be everywhere. It takes seven to ten minutes for them to show up, and by that time you’re dead and your property is gone. That’s basically why we have the Second Amendment,” he explained.

Multiple cars honked their horns in solidarity with the advocates as they drove past the BCPA.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].