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LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) — More than 200 people poured into a free Liberty University course on carrying concealed weapons a week after university President Jerry Falwell Jr. encouraged students to seek permits to counter any possible armed assault on the campus.
About 220 people attended the class Thursday night at the Liberty University School of Law, The News & Advance reports (http://bit.ly/1Y2KyUa).
The course's popularity was far greater than previous times it had been offered, when between 40 and 50 people had attended, Liberty University Police Chief Richard Hinkley said.
"I think it's amazing," Hinkley said.
On Dec. 4, Falwell recommended that students at the Christian school bring concealed weapons into their dorms, following the Dec. 2 mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, that left 14 victims dead.
"Let's teach them a lesson if they ever show up here," Falwell told a convocation crowd of thousands.
Hinkley's presentation, a course the university has offered since 2010, covered everything from core safety rules to firearms maintenance and Virginia law.
Sabrina Hairston, a Liberty University online student and mother of three young children, said she drove an hour and a half from Martinsville to Lynchburg to take the course after seeing Falwell's remarks.
"I want to be able to protect (my children) even when Daddy isn't home," Hairston said.
After students complete the course, Hinkley said there are other requirements they must meet before they are allowed to carry on campus.
Any of the students, faculty or staff must have a state-issued permit, which dictates a person must be 21, complete a safety course and apply for the permit in the jurisdiction of their residence.
Those who wish to carry on campus must also register their weapon with university police, complete a Liberty University application and be approved through the police department with one-on-one practice at the school's shooting range.
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Information from: The News & Advance, http://www.newsadvance.com/
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