The instructor who shot himself in the foot with a concealed handgun while lecturing to 20 students in a chem class at Idaho State University on Tuesday has been identified, and it wasn’t just some guest instructor – it was an assistant professor of chemistry who’s taught at ISU since 2007. The Idaho State Journal reports today that the instructor involved was Byron Bennett, assistant professor of chemistry, who holds a current Idaho Enhanced Concealed Weapons Permit, an Idaho Basic Concealed Weapons Permit and a Utah Concealed Weapons Permit.

A new law passed by Idaho’s Legislature this year over the objections of the state’s colleges and universities allows anyone with the enhanced permit to carry a concealed firearm on public campuses, except in dormitories or large arenas.

The State Journal talked to several ISU students today who were divided about the new law. “It’s probably going to happen again,” said student Randi Leissring. Freshman Taylor Hansen of Chubbuck said her parents plan to buy her a gun.  “I’m a girl and I’m little,” Hansen said. “But I’m going to take some safety courses so I don’t shoot myself in the foot.” The State Journal’s full report is online here.