A suburban Chicago school district said they've contacted law enforcement after Republican U.S. Senate candidate Peggy Hubbard claimed she brought a gun and ammunition into a high school during a student-organized candidate's forum last week.
At a different candidate's forum in Washington on Tuesday, Hubbard told audience members she walked past a no-guns sticker posted at Hinsdale Central High School, showed a woman her concealed carry permit, and was allowed to enter.
"Inner-city schools are safe because they have metal detectors. Other schools, prominent schools, are not safe. I walked in with a concealed carry, and I had a gun and three clips," Hubbard said. "And nobody checked." Peggy Hubbard's full response to a question on gun safety, 2/18/20.
She's since backtracked on those comments, telling the Daily Heraldshe left her firearm in her vehicle, but was carrying ammo clips.
In a statement, Hinsdale District 86 spokesman Chris Jasculca said the district heard of the claim through social media. He said district officials were unable to confirm if Hubbard or her representatives did in fact display a photo ID to any employee after reviewing security camera footage and interviewing staff.
"What we can confirm, however, is that the type of ID that was used has no bearing on the fact that possession of a firearm and ammunition on school property by someone who has no authority to do so is illegal, not to mention dangerous and irresponsible," Jasculca said.
Jasculca also said students and staff go through active shooter training, and "fully equipped" command centers at both of the district's high schools.
"With that said, we understand and appreciate how critical it is to continuously assess and evaluate the security procedures and protocols we have in place, and identify ways we can strengthen them," he said. "We have been engaged in this important work throughout the school year, and will continue to make it a priority going forward."
The debate was hosted by Hinsdale Central's Student Conservative Union on Feb. 13.
Hubbard, a Navy veteran and former police officer, is one of five candidates vying for the Republican nomination to run against incumbent U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin in the November general election. She's the only woman and African-American in the race.
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