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GOP lawmakers call for arming Missouri National Guard

Missouri National Guard Logo rwbJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Republican lawmakers and gubernatorial hopefuls are calling on Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon to arm the National Guard after the recent attack on two Tennessee military facilities.

GOP leaders and those eyeing the governorship have publicly asked the Democratic governor to act. A Nixon spokesman was not immediately available to comment Monday.

A gunman attacked a recruiting center and a Marine-Navy reserve facility in Chattanooga last week. Four Marines and one Navy sailor were killed.

The Nebraska National Guard is arming more of its personnel after last week’s shooting. Gov. Pete Ricketts said Monday that he has authorized the Nebraska National Guard to arm more personnel where necessary at its installations, including recruitment offices.

The governors of Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Indiana, and Oklahoma have also ordered guardsmen to be armed.

A number of Missouri’s GOP senators and others want Nixon to take similar action. Republican Sen. Dan Brown and GOP gubernatorial candidates Sen. Mike Parson and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder also want Nixon to order flags be lowered to half-staff.

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