PORTLAND (AP) — Maine gubernatorial candidate Shawn Moody is defending his call for teachers to spray fire extinguishers at school shooters by pointing to similar advice poised by some law enforcement experts.
Moody, a Republican, made the remark in a Monday radio appearance on WVOM-FM when asked about his thoughts on firearms.
Spokeswoman Lauren LePage said Wednesday that Moody’s comment was “off-handed.” But she added the federal Defense Logistics Agency and college officials have advised individuals to grab everything from office equipment to fire extinguishers to incapacitate assailants.
Moody called fire extinguishers a “great deterrent” if “somebody gets out of control.” He said a teacher could bring “someone to their knees” by grabbing and spraying a fire extinguisher.
Democrats said Moody’s not offering a serious solution to a national issue.
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