INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – A high school student’s video has captured a controversial interaction with an Indiana lawmaker at the statehouse, where he showed a handgun to students advocating for gun control. The student, Alana Trissel, 17, and four others from Burris Laboratory School were at the state Capitol to participate in a day of advocacy with Students Demand Action, a group affiliated with Everytown for Gun Safety.
State Rep. Jim Lucas, a Republican from Seymour, engaged the students in a conversation defending gun rights outside the elevator, which was recorded by one of the students. In the video, Lucas referred to the need for self-protection and exposed a holstered handgun under his suit jacket. He also discussed the failures of law enforcement in preventing mass casualties in school shootings, referencing incidents in Parkland, Florida and Uvalde, Texas.
Trissel disputed Lucas’ claim that the group’s argument was based on pure emotion and said she felt talked over during the conversation. She also expressed feeling fearful and powerless after the lawmaker displayed the weapon, emphasizing the impact of the incident on her and the other students.
The controversial encounter has reignited debate about gun laws and safety in Indiana, as well as rekindling previous incidents involving Lucas. In the past, he has been a vocal advocate for loosening gun laws and established a state-funded handgun training program for teachers.
Critics have pointed out past controversies, including racist social media posts and a drunken driving incident, which raise concerns about his behavior and judgment as a public official.
The incident has sparked discussions about the rights of lawmakers and citizens to carry firearms in public spaces and their accountability in creating a safe and respectful environment, especially when engaging with young activists advocating for gun safety measures.