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Colorado state representative Patrick Neville, was attending Columbine when two of his fellow students opened fire killing 13 people on 20 April 1999.

This week, the Republican introduced a bill that would give teachers the power to carry concealed firearms.

The legislation, he said, would mean similar events such as the one he survived at Columbine would be prevented.

Students are currently “sitting targets” without such laws in place, he said.

“The only thing that is going to stop murderers intent on doing harm is to give good people the legal authority to carry a gun to protect themselves and our children,” Mr Neville said in a statement, according to reports by news outlet, The Hill.

“More of my friends would still be alive today.”

The bill would specifically allow teachers who already hold concealed weapon permits to carry guns in Colorado’s schools. He attempted to introduce the same bill last year, which failed and it is thought his latest attempt will be thwarted.  

“Unfortunately, the current system continues to leave our children as sitting targets for criminals intent on doing harm,” he said.