WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -- The nation's largest gun-rights lobby is calling for armed police officers to be posted in every American school to stop the next killer "waiting in the wings."
The National Rifle Association broke its silence Friday on last week's shooting rampage at a Connecticut elementary school that left 26 children and staff dead.
The group's top lobbyist, Wayne LaPierre, said at a Washington news conference that, quote, "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."
The NRA says it's committing "all of its knowledge, dedication and resources to develop a model National School Shield Emergency Response Program for every school that wants it."
The program will include armed security to building design, training for teachers, and new technology.
"This multi-faceted program will be developed by the very best experts in their fields," said LaPierre.
The NRA says former Congressman Asa Hutchinson will lead the effort as Director of the National School Shield Program with a budget from the NRA to complete whatever task is necessary.
Hutchinson has worn many hats. He is a former US Attorney, former Director of the Drug Enforcement Agency, and former Undersecretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
"School safety is a complex issue with no simple, single solution," said Hutchinson. "But I believe trained, qualified, armed security is one key component among many that can provide the first line of deterrence as well as the last line of defense."
"If we truly cherish our kids more than our money or our celebrities, we must give them the greatest level of protection possible and the security that is only available with a properly trained-armed-good guy," said LaPierre. "We cant wait for the next unspeakable crime to happen before we act. We can't lose precious time debating legislation that won't work."
