SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Sioux Falls Police say 18-year-old Phillip Johnathon Linderman of Sioux Falls had a concealed gun while inside Lincoln High School on Saturday, where a pancake feed was happening. While there are some exceptions, such as for a law enforcement officer or someone who’s completed training to be a school sentinel, it’s a misdemeanor in South Dakota to have a gun at a public elementary or secondary school.
“There are still restrictions on where firearms can be, and I think we can all agree schools are an important restriction of that,” Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum said Monday.
Democrat B.J. Motley of Sioux Falls, who is running for a spot in the state House of Representatives, says the law here isn’t adequate.
“I think it should be a little more serious than just a misdemeanor,” Motley said Tuesday.
Republican Greg Jamison of Sioux Falls, who’s running to keep his seat in the state House, has a different view, pointing out that other circumstances in a case could bring in felony charges. For him, the current law is appropriate.
“I think the set-up is right,” Jamison said Tuesday. “If you a jump to a felony I think you’ve probably gone too far.”
Nevertheless, each candidate stresses the importance of safety for the next generation.
“I’m all about safety: safety in the workplace, safety in schools,” Motley said.
“School safety is as important as any other topic that we have in our state,” Jamison said.
