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National News · U.S.

Photo of Kent State Grad with AR-10 Goes Viral

A photo of a graduate from Kent State University has gone viral. It’s not the normal picture with cap and gown. Kaitlin Bennett is carrying a AR-10 rifle with her graduation cap and a sign that says, “Come and take it.”

Bennett wrote in her massively shared post, “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”

The newly grad’s post was retweeted more than 1800 times and had more than 2700 comments. There was a combination of support and opposition.

Eric Mansfield, university spokesperson, said that once Bennett graduated she was “no longer restricted under the policy as a student.”

Mansfield continued: “Kent State University was recently ranked the safest big college campus in Ohio and 25th safest in the country, according to the National Council for Home Safety and Security. The university has a full-time, certified police force of more than 30 sworn officers who protect the campus. These officers are visible, well-trained and on duty 24/7 in support of students, staff and faculty.”

I Have No Apologies

On Tuesday, Bennett posted another picture and wrote, “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.”

Kaitlin Bennett tweeted: “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.”

She followed with another making it clear that her gun is an AR-10 and not an “assault rifle.”

“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.”

— itadmin