A loaded firearm was found inside a purse in an empty classroom on Tuesday in violation of ECC’s weapons-free policy, according to ECC police. 

On Thursday, students were notified about the incident via a campus-wide email.  

An ECC staff member reported an unattended purse with a loaded firearm inside it. ECC police investigated and found that the owner of the purse had a valid concealed carry permit. The individual received a citation, according to ECC police.

The Observer submitted a Freedom of Information request for the police records related to the incident. 

“A little shocking” is how ECC student Evan Grochowski described the incident.

  “There should be more people checking stuff sometimes, not all the time,” he said. 

ECC prohibits the possession of a firearm or weapon on ECC property, even if that “person has a valid federal or state license to possess a firearm or weapon,” according to ECC’s administrative procedure. However, some exceptions exist, such as being “carried by a full-time law enforcement officer on active duty required to carry a firearm or weapon as a condition of his or employment.” 

A firearm is “A loaded or unloaded handgun,” according to the Illinois Concealed Carry Act.

ECC Chief of Police David Kintz declined to comment further on the incident.

“I’ve known people who went to school, and there were metal detectors on every door, said William Polli, a Welding student. “That was a little overkill, in my opinion, so there needs to be a line.” 

“There should be more rules in place to keep these events from happening,” he said.

“ I do believe in being allowed to own firearms and concealed carry,” said Joe Dula, an ECC student who is studying videography. “I have family members who are concealed carry. I don’t have a problem with that, but it shouldn’t be on campus.”

 “That’s pretty clearly a breach of the safety of the people here,” he said. “You never know what’s going to happen, especially with college students.”

A Student Government Association officer declined to comment on the incident. 

“It makes me feel scared a bit,” said ECC graduate Athony Rios. Because it makes me wonder about our safety.