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Gun retailers prepared to help arm National Guard members

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Following an executive order signed by Governor Mike Pence, owners of two Indianapolis area firearm retailers said they were ready to help arm National Guard members interested in protecting themselves.

Starting Monday, service members were permitted to carry their personal weapons at guard facilities and centers with the proper state permits.

In Greenwood, Bryan Acton said news of a gunman killing four Marines and a sailor during an attack on two military facilities in Chattanooga, Tenn. hit close to home. The former member of the military and current co-owner of U.S. Defense Solutions said he looks forward to assisting guard members under Indiana’s new policy.

“With this tragedy, they might open their eyes a little bit and become more willing to defend themselves in the private sector,” Acton said.

Brian Ludlow, the owner of Indy Trading Post, shared Acton’s sentiment. He hoped the executive order would prevent events like what happened in Chattanooga, Fort Hood in 2009 and the Washington Navy Yard in 2013 from repeating.

“I think it’s a great thing because I think they all definitely should be able to protect themselves especially in today’s times. It’s a lot different than it was 20 years ago,” Ludlow said.

Indiana is home to the fourth -largest National Guard contingent in the nation. It is among five other states to order similar carry policies since Thursday’s attack in Tennessee.