A Kent State University graduate has “no apologies” for her now-viral graduation photos which featured her carrying a rifle on campus.
Kaitlin Bennett became the target of liberal backlash as she celebrated her college graduation with a challenge and a nod to the past, posting a photo of herself walking on school grounds with an AR-10 rifle strapped to her back.
Now that I graduated from @KentState, I can finally arm myself on campus. I should have been able to do so as a student- especially since 4 unarmed students were shot and killed by the government on this campus. #CampusCarryNow pic.twitter.com/a91fQH44cq
— Kaitlin Marie (@KaitMarieox) May 13, 2018
The words “come and take it” were displayed on her graduation cap and her caption referred back to 1970 when four students at Kent State University were killed and nine others wounded when the Ohio National Guard opened fire during a mass protest at the school against the U.S. bombing of Cambodia during the Vietnam War.
In another photo, Bennett declared, “I have no apologies for my graduation photos,” citing her Second Amendment rights.
I have no apologies for my graduation photos. As a woman, I refuse to be a victim & the second amendment ensures that I don’t have to be. pic.twitter.com/5CKmQobrMb
— Kaitlin Marie (@KaitMarieox) May 15, 2018
The 22-year-old conservative student activist was making the point that she had less rights to carry a weapon as a student on campus than she now has as a graduate. But the vocal Second Amendment advocate became an instant target for violent threats, insults and shaming by those who disagreed with her views.
“On campus I would never carry an AR-10 for self-defense,” she told The Washington Post. “There’s so many people who aren’t getting it — it’s just a photo shoot.”
Her Twitter feed was immediately filled with rebuttals and screenshots as the critics viciously attacked her.
Gun control advocates are trying to call me violent for my graduation picture that promotes the right to self-defense, meanwhile I’m getting threatening messages like this in my inbox from these very same people. pic.twitter.com/VfpxPTZHI0
— Kaitlin Marie (@KaitMarieox) May 15, 2018
This rifle is legally owned. Assault rifles have been banned for decades. Do you not see the problem here? You say you dont want to take away legally owned guns, but had NO IDEA that the rifle pictured is legally owned.
— Kaitlin Marie (@KaitMarieox) May 15, 2018
I could address the fact that my rifle is not an assault weapon but I’m much more concerned that you just said you’d rather kill me than let me take a photo on campus. https://t.co/yYKfGBAX7b
— Kaitlin Marie (@KaitMarieox) May 15, 2018
Wouldn’t it be awkward if the people calling my AR-10 in my grad photos an “assault rifle” found out assault rifles are banned & the AR-10 fires at the same rate as any modern pistol?
Don’t talk about gun control when you can’t even get your facts straight.— Kaitlin Marie (@KaitMarieox) May 16, 2018
Bennett, who graduated last week with a bachelor’s degree in biology, responded to many, clarifying and exposing truth as she tweeted. She even called out David Hogg, a student from the Parkland mass shooting, for “retweeting racist posts” about her and inviting him to “have a real conversation about guns with me like the adult you want to be.”
.@davidhogg111 I don’t know if your tiny arms with Hitler-esque bands around them can’t reach your @ button, but maybe instead of retweeting racist posts about me, you can have a real conversation about guns with me like the adult you want to be. #CampusCarryNow
— Kaitlin Marie (@KaitMarieox) May 17, 2018
Kent State’s policy on weapons states “Students, staff, faculty, and third parties doing business with the university are further prohibited from possessing, storing, or using a deadly weapon while outside on university grounds, that is owned, operated or leased by the university,” CBS News reported.
But Kent State University spokesman Eric Mansfield told Fox News that Bennett violated no policies because she is now no longer a student.
“After graduation, she joined the ranks of our proud graduates,” Mansfield said. “So at the time of this photo, she and other graduates would be permitted to open carry on our campus.”
Bennett, the founder of the libertarian media outlet Liberty Hangout at Kent State and formerly president of the Kent State chapter of Turning Point USA, wanted to call out the school’s “insulting” policies.
“I wanted to draw attention to the gun policies on campus that allow guests to open carry, but not students,” she told Fox News. “I find it insulting that the school values the lives of their guests more than those attending the university for four years.”
Bennett did get plenty of support as well as the backlash over her photos, and admitted she had even gotten a few marriage proposals – which she had to decline because she already has a boyfriend.
Not only have I received a job offer tonight, but several young men have offered their hands in marriage to me. I’m sorry I have to decline. I have a boyfriend. pic.twitter.com/q7YX4oi2Pi
— Kaitlin Marie (@KaitMarieox) May 17, 2018
Thank you to @BlueTargetFire for selling me my first gun, and for also offering me a job tonight! I’m honored to defend the 2nd amendment alongside you guys. #CampusCarryNow pic.twitter.com/4H1uO0rXo3
— Kaitlin Marie (@KaitMarieox) May 17, 2018
Thanks to all who have sent me death threats for taking a picture. You’re the biggest advocates for gun rights. You proved exactly why people carry.
— Kaitlin Marie (@KaitMarieox) May 16, 2018
Hang in there.
You aren’t alone, figuratively or literally.
Millions of your countrymen have the same sensabilities as you.And, idiots like the ones you’ve shown ARE why you and I, unfortunately, may need a gun.
I guess we can thank them for proving you’re right.
— JackofallTrades (@ViewfromKelso) May 15, 2018
Stand your ground. You go girl a lot of us have your back.
— MLaster (@mlaster206) May 15, 2018
Thank you! https://t.co/ShPiZPxMlt
— Kaitlin Marie (@KaitMarieox) May 15, 2018
As a true gun supporter, Kaitlin I am so proud of what you are doing, God bless you and deliver this message to the masses. You are what America needs, you truly ROCK!!!
— Terry Garland (@TerryGarland7) May 16, 2018
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