Kent State Graduate Explains Why She Openly Carried Her AR-10 on Campus

2nd Amendment – R2KBA Current Events This Week

Kent State University in Ohio prohibits students from carrying on campus. But non-students are allowed to carry on the public property in and around the college all day long.

For Kaitlin Bennett, 22, a former student, the policy makes little sense.  Because if strangers can carry, she should be able to carry too.



Upon graduating Sunday, Bennett decided to make a statement. She slung an AR-10 over her shoulder and strutted around the premises in a white sundress.  No longer a student, it was perfectly within the law and the university’s policy on guns for her to do so.

She then posted photos of her pro-2A protest on Twitter. And it didn’t take long for the photos to go viral.

Bennett spoke to different media outlets about her 2A views. Turns out she’s unapologetically pro-gun.

“I believe that if the government has it, we should have it. Machine guns — any weaponry,” she told The Washington Post on Tuesday.

SEE ALSO: Florida Students Hold Walkout to Support 2A, Constitution

“To make sure the government can’t go against the citizens,” she continued. “We should be able to protect ourselves against a tyrannical government.”

Kent State Graduate Explains Why She Openly Carried Her AR-10 on Campus

The Kent State policy on Deadly Weapons.  Non-students or passersby can carry but those affiliated with the school are prohibited.

She spoke about the criticism she’s received, some of it racially tinged, to Fox Host Steve Doocy.

“I was not expecting the blatant racism that’s been thrown at me,” said Bennett. “They’re saying that I have white privilege for going out on campus with my AR-10.”

“I think that’s very insulting to minorities,” Bennett said. “I don’t think that anything bad would happen to them.” She further noted that she, “had a black police officer with me the whole time [she was taking photos]. He was just … he loved it.”

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  • Greg March 21, 2020, 8:53 am

    You go, girl !! One of the smartest students to ever leave that campus!

  • ej harb June 12, 2018, 9:48 pm

    Delightful! Ahh to be young again.
    Some man if not already will be very fortunate.

  • K.C. May 19, 2018, 10:57 pm

    Great job Kaitlin !! You did not quote this: but you are on the right track…It is true that you cannot fix evil; but you can put yourself in a position to defend against it….Here’s one….If you are ever “bumped” as why you “need” a firearm. Ask the person if they wear a seatbelt!! They will probably answer, ” Just in case I need it.”

  • Jerry May 19, 2018, 9:06 am

    Z apparently spends too much time reading the dictionary, thereby depriving him of acquiring common sense. Some premises in this set of facts (such as threats from anti-gun left ) are self evident, and everyday “walking around” sense would literally cause one to conclude that no “gun rights”person would threaten her for her effective display of her 2nd. Amendment rights. Z may want to lay aside his dictionary and open a treatise on “Logic” to read about “deductive reasoning”.

    • Z May 19, 2018, 1:20 pm

      Hello Jerry,

      While you’re entitled to your own opinion you aren’t entitled to your own facts. Saying a thing doesn’t make it so, even if that’s your personal philosophy. Don’t be afraid of knowledge, try it, you might like it.

  • Jay May 19, 2018, 7:30 am

    I have taught all my children to shoot and now my Grand kids are being taught. It is not just heart warming to see this brave young woman do what see has done, knowing the backlash that would follow. That is a real patriot and American! I would give her a great big Grandpa hug if I could! America needs more like you! You go girl!!

  • Alex May 18, 2018, 11:14 pm

    Glad the university did not pollute her brain like they are doing to the rest of country. Congratulations!!! And best of luck on her future endeavors.

  • David Miller May 18, 2018, 5:28 pm

    I think K.B. made another statement that no one but me noticed. Ms. Bennett took this stand to bear arms, with, two bare arms!

  • terence May 18, 2018, 5:15 pm

    You are a true patriot ! Hopefully more young woman will see this and exercise their inalienable rights. Both my daughters carry, and as soon as my granddaughters are old enough they will be taught to protect themselves. You are an inspiration!

  • Mike Watkins May 18, 2018, 3:32 pm

    Good for you, Kaitlin!

  • Mr.nobody May 18, 2018, 2:33 pm

    The black AR10 slung over her shoulder did not start shooting at people no it did not Y blame the guns????

  • Christina F Robleto May 18, 2018, 12:47 pm

    Good for you Kaitlin! As a single woman & student I completely agree with you, I have been a victim of assault & 2 break-ins & I never want to be a victim ever again. We as a society of freedom have to protect that right at any cost. Our forefathers knew how dangerous a powerful government can be, & the liberal left is trying their best to brainwash our children & suppress minorities to their way of thinking so they can continue to control them & stay in power. Thank you for your bravery! If we as a country ever lose our rights as free citizens it will be a terrible day throughout the world.

  • Charles Kimberl May 18, 2018, 12:15 pm

    Good for her. Glad to see that not all of our college graduates are snowflake morons.

  • Paul Pflaum May 18, 2018, 11:39 am

    When I carry a gun, I don’t do so because I am looking for a fight, but because I’m looking to be left alone. The gun at my side means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. I don’t carry it because I’m afraid, but because it enables me to be unafraid. It doesn’t limit the actions of those who would interact with me through reason, only the actions of those who would do so by force. It removes force from the equation… and that’s why carrying a gun is a civilized act.”

    • Z May 18, 2018, 8:15 pm

      Well written.

  • Mark May 18, 2018, 10:14 am

    And yet the gun didn’t jump off her back and start killing people by it self ! Amazing! Must be a well behaved rifle.

  • Alan May 18, 2018, 10:03 am

    I don’t think her statement of the Kent State shooting is near as effective as if she had stated she wanted to exercise her right to be able to defend herself. Other then that she has made a valid point, which will be glossed over and soon forgotten.

    What sense does it make for her to be able to carry a weapon, on campus, after she has graduated. It is our right to be able to protect ourselves 24-7, 365 days a year. period.

    • Z May 18, 2018, 5:41 pm

      Agreed. Her desire to lawfully carry a firearm and not be in violation of current school policy is sufficient to warrant her display. The sign and reference to an event from 48 years ago detract from the commentary and muddy the waters.

  • Ed May 18, 2018, 10:01 am

    I commend the you lady on wanting to voice every American second amendment rights. Concealed carry should be allowed everywhere. Gun free zones are the only places mass shooters go to do damage. When I went to college conceal carry was allowed in Colorado. Responsible adults who are trained should not be limited by gun free zones. Gun free zones are a joke!

  • Jerry May 18, 2018, 9:52 am

    More power to her!! She obviously has enough common sense to realize that in the final analysis, each of us is responsible for our own safety. The police aren’t armed to protect us, they are armed to protect themselves. By the time the police arrive on the scene the damage is done and the thug, if not taken down by a lawful gun owner, is long gone. The criminals are not afraid of law enforcement, they certainly have no fear of nor respect for our judicial system, so they must be made to fear the victim… the only way to instill that fear is by allowing law-abiding citizens to bear arms as is our Constitutional right. I have yet to hear any gun-control liberal explain how they intend to take the guns away from the gangs. For me to give up my guns because the criminals have too many guns would be like my being castrated because my neighbor has too many children. I would be proud to call her “daughter”.

  • triggerpull May 18, 2018, 9:31 am

    Exercise rights–all for it. Carry in a manner that you could be disarmed and shot with your own weapon in about 5 seconds–not so much a great idea IMO. Sorry–but that’s what you’re asking for with that sign. In this day and age–walking into a school yard with a loaded weapon is inviting a sniper reticle to be positioned between your eyes. Brave–but not the best idea IMO.

    • Early May 18, 2018, 9:58 am

      I think you may have missed the point..she was making a statement, not trying to comply with every shootist’s idea of of protocol for exercising one’s second amendment right. I will carry my gun how I choose…on top of my head if I want. Always a negative opinion…

      • triggerpull May 18, 2018, 11:38 am

        No doubt you ardently feel the same way if your kids were there in class and a black guy wearing a hoodie or a dark skinned guy with a beard and scarf showed up with an Draganov locked and loaded, right? Stunt IMO–if I was there and had kids in school I would automatically go to a defensive posture and assume active threat. Unless, of course, the authorities were tipped off in advance and she was in effect under protective escort.

    • Zupglick May 18, 2018, 12:52 pm

      Get a sniper reticle between the eyes? Of course! The Government has shot people there before. Except they didn’t have the possibility of shooting back.

      • triggerpull May 18, 2018, 2:24 pm

        Another school shooting today–stuff like this is really winning us more points in the court of public opinion.

    • 2/2 Warlords May 18, 2018, 3:01 pm

      Didn’t you read the article? She was under police escort the entire time. How was someone going to take her rifle? Stop with the “in this day and age” Gun deaths and violence overall is down “in this day and age” from when I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s.

    • Darry May 19, 2018, 8:38 pm

      yes it had a magazine in it but we don’t know if it was loaded, i think not. plus like she said there was a cop there with her who was taking the pics.

  • Mr. Sparkles May 18, 2018, 8:58 am

    I commend Ms Bennett for her stand. As a member of the “old guard” I tend to stay away from social media but maybe that is why the vocal minority has slowly eroded the rights of the silent majority. You go girl!

  • Dexter Winslett May 18, 2018, 8:55 am

    You go girl! A true American.

  • JP May 18, 2018, 8:52 am

    I have a 6 year old daughter by the same name (spelled Katelyn however). I would be very scared for her well being if this was her walking around with a rifle on her back despite the fact that I’m a proud owner of both AR-10’s and multiple AR-15’s. Just the dad in me not wanting anything bad coming back on my daughter is what I would be worried about. Seems like this was a calculated risk that this girl took and is educated enough to understand the backlash that would come with her decision and was willing to stand up for her rights regardless. Good for her! A few questions:
    1. Can I send my 12 year old son to live with you to learn how to become a man?
    2. Can my daughter have your autograph?
    3. I love the fact that she is carrying a hi capacity mag and what looks to be a very heavy weapon while wearing heals!

  • Dr Motown May 18, 2018, 7:51 am

    Notice who is threatening this lady’s life: the “tolerant” anti-gun lefties who claim they fear for their lives! No gun owner is harassing her

    • Z May 18, 2018, 9:02 am

      I didn’t see a list of the individuals who made the alleged threats, the quoted threats, the political leaning, or status of gun ownership of the persons who made threats listed. Predictable, observable, repeatable, without evidence it’s conjecture on your part.

      • trapperwv1 May 18, 2018, 9:16 am

        Did you even read the whole article?

        • Z May 18, 2018, 5:02 pm

          Yes, I read the entire article. Please copy and paste from the article the written threats, the identity of the person who made them, a voter ID card, and a federal database reference as to how many firearms they own.

      • tommy jones May 18, 2018, 9:36 am

        No lawful gun owner is going to threaten her life for promoting 2A rights…it was communists like you…”Z”….not conjecture…reality…..you could also be said to have no proof that it was not the tolerant left…your “conjecture” is much more likely to be false….we know who our enemies are….

        • Z May 18, 2018, 5:11 pm

          Hello tommy,

          I’d like to invite you to open a dictionary and find the words “conjecture” and “reality”. If you make a statement the burden is upon you to provide the proof. You can claim that the sky is orange and water is dry, it’s not my job to prove you wrong, it’s your job to provide evidence that your correct. If you can’t provide evidence, it’s not factual. I’ll save you both some trouble. Conjecture; a : inference formed without proof or sufficient evidence
          b : a conclusion deduced by surmise or guesswork. Reality; a (1) : a real event, entity, or state of affairs. Dr. Motown can’t provide evidence for his claims any more than you can, i.e. it’s conjecture.

  • shrugger May 18, 2018, 7:51 am

    But is she single?

    • Keith May 18, 2018, 9:12 am

      No she has a boyfriend. I commend her stand for Liberty.

  • S May 18, 2018, 6:53 am

    WOW! A Ten with a Ten!

  • Dennis May 18, 2018, 6:51 am

    Glad to see some of our young people exercising there 2nd amendment right’s to keep and bare arms.

  • Mark long May 18, 2018, 6:24 am

    I agree finally seeing sensible kids standing up for there rights amen and amen

  • William May 18, 2018, 6:22 am

    Excellent stand up for your rights girl. I wish more students would have your courage and common sense to stand up for what is right and to make a statement about good guys and girls with guns make a safe USA.

  • Tom May 18, 2018, 5:59 am

    What a smart young lady. Doesn’t warm our hearts to see how illogical the logic of policy makers and critics of 2A can be exposed by a couple of simple statements….visually and by sheer simplicity of a common sense response she made to her violent critics…”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.”

  • Nick M May 18, 2018, 5:34 am

    Does she not know the people killed were against her right to carry?

    • Z May 18, 2018, 9:04 am

      No death were mentioned in that article. What exactly are you referring too?

      • Sonny May 18, 2018, 9:38 am

        Maybe you need to look again…One of her comment screen shots specifically mention the Kent State 4 that were killed…

        • Z May 18, 2018, 5:25 pm

          I see, Nick and Ms. Bennet were referring to the May 4th 1970 shooting. She feels students should carry whatever weapons they want in light of four students being killed by the national guard and Nick is pointing out that the students were protesting the bombing of Cambodia and in his opinion the dead students would have been in favor banning open carry. Good catch, Sonny.

      • tommy jones May 18, 2018, 9:43 am

        She refers to the 4 students shot by national guard troops during the Vietnam War protests in the 1960’s on Kent State campus…. lacking knowledge of the gun debate and history but quick to comment huh “Z”? Must be short for laZy….

      • Early May 18, 2018, 10:03 am

        OMG! If you don’t know about the Kent State Student massacre by our government, you are indicative of what is wrong with America…Tyranny is always possible..

        • Nick M May 18, 2018, 2:36 pm

          The rioters are anti-American. They never ever protest socialist invasion, only the Americans repelling those invasions.

      • Wiz May 18, 2018, 6:02 pm

        Well Z if you were to read the posts, that is assuming that you can read, it would become pretty clear that those threats were not in her best interest. But a lot of Veterans died for your right to be a twit and prove it by placing your post on this forum.

        • Z May 18, 2018, 8:25 pm

          You’re either acknowledging that I can read or slobbering for attention. Given the placement of your comment I’m concerned about your reading comprehension and spatial reasoning skills. FYI, a soldier can die in the line of duty, a veteran is a former member of the armed forces. If they lived long enough to be a vet, they didn’t die defending the first amendment, Wiz.

  • Steve in Detroit May 18, 2018, 5:06 am

    Thank goodness at least 1 youngster understands. Beware of Politicians that would wish to curtail your Constitutional Rights.

  • John May 18, 2018, 4:18 am

    You go!! Keep calm and carry on.

  • Michael Tuck May 18, 2018, 4:08 am

    I Love Her

  • James D Burroughs May 18, 2018, 2:43 am

    2008 SCOTUS decisions
    The First Amendment: protects modern forms of communications.
    The Second Amendment: extends, prima facie, to all instruments that constitute bearable arms, even those that were not in existence at the time of the founding.”
    The Fourth Amendment: applies to modern forms of search and seizure.
    The Ninth Amendment says: The enumeration (Numbering) in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others (meaning rights) retained by the people.
    The Tenth Amendment says: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

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