Liberty University unveils plan to open first on-campus shooting range

Liberty University has announced its plan to open the nation's first on-campus firing range as part of its effort to promote gun ownership and firearm sports.

Jerry Falwell Jr., the president of the evangelical university, told The Washington Post that the new complex at the 7,000-acre campus near Lynchburg, Virginia, will include pistol, rifle, and shotgun facilities, as well as an archery range.

"This is one of the examples of how Liberty is unique and different. We really had the perfect setting for our own competitive shooting range," Falwell remarked.

Falwell said that the project will cost at least $1 million in construction and landscape improvements.

The university already allows its students, faculty, and staff to carry concealed handguns on campus. Last year, it offered a free course for students who were interested in acquiring a concealed carry permit in Virginia. Falwell said that over 1,600 people have taken the course, but only 20 students were issued proper documentation to carry a concealed weapon.

Falwell said that the concept came from student interest in firearms, and he noted that one of its student groups is dedicated to safeguarding the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

According to The Christian Post, the plans for the shooting range was first announced at a public hearing of Campbell County's Planning Commission on Dec. 5.

Brad Butler, Liberty's planning coordinator, said that the National Rifle Association (NRA) has advised the school on best practices for safety.

Falwell said that one of the objectives of setting up a firing range is to prepare the campus for an "active shooter" scenario. He noted that the 2007 Virgina Tech mass shooting happened just 85 miles west of his campus. He also pointed out that "gun-free zones" make the other Virginia universities vulnerable to a similar attack.

He said that the Liberty students and families are supportive of the university's stance on firearms.

"They don't want to see anything happen here like at Virginia Tech, where nobody was able to fire back," said Falwell.

Butler agreed that the gun range will be instrumental in preparing the students for disaster.

"With president Falwell's bold leadership, we're going to avert something of that magnitude should evil like that ever come to this campus," he said.