Let’s figure out how to protect schools from an attack as what happened in Parkland, Florida.

First, the nation needs to fix the real problem — mental illness.

Second, top security should be in place at all schools.

Third, more counselors and psychologists are needed.

The FBI and local police failed to follow up on several warnings about the Parkland, Florida, killer, Nikolas Cruz. The American public is now demanding that elected officials put a stop to such violence.

Mental illness is the problem, not the guns used. People kill people. It takes a person to pull the trigger.

Stop putting up signs that say “gun-free zone.” That won’t help. It is wrong, and all schools should have a police officer on the grounds.

It is time to fix the big problem that is mental illness.

Reggie Bechard, Lewiston

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