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Enterprise news and public affairs reporting examining a proposed state gun law and its potential impact on a university campus, featuring legislative sourcing, student perspectives, law enforcement interviews, and contextual data.

Concerns rise at Iowa State as legislature considers new campus gun law

By Henry Gonzalez

May 10, 2023

AMES, Iowa — A proposed gun law in the Iowa Legislature and rising gun violence are generating unease among Ames residents and the Iowa State University community.

The bill, currently moving through the House and Senate, would prohibit universities from banning dangerous weapons in locked, personal vehicles on campus grounds, provided the weapons remain hidden from view.

"I think from what I've always read about a lot of the shooting incidents, a lot of times it's a spur-of-the-moment reaction,” Sen. Herman Quirmbach (D-25), a member of the Iowa Senate representing Ames and the Iowa State campus, said. “Somebody gets in a scuffle or fight… If a firearm is in close proximity, they can go grab a gun and shoot somebody before they have a chance to even think about it or cool down." 

According to David Riedman's K-12 shooting database, since 1970, 801 gun violence incidents have occurred via escalation of dispute, the highest of any other situation tracked. The database also tracks the locations of the shootings. Parking lots rank as the most frequent site for these shootings, with 540 incidents, followed by school grounds with 233.

Quirmbach, who opposes the bill, noted its status in the legislature.

“I voted against it in committee,” he said. “The bill passed the House and got out of committee in the Senate. Senate leadership chose not to bring it up before we adjourned, so the bill did not pass. But anything alive at the end of the first year remains active for the next session.”

The bill’s supporters did not respond to repeated interview requests. Senate President Pro Tempore Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, replied via email: “I would like to pass.”

The Iowa House passed bill HF 654 on April 12 with a 62-37 party-line vote. Two Republicans joined Democrats in opposition.

"It's scary because we shouldn't have to worry about that at all,” Josie Birdwell, an 18-year-old ISU freshman, said. “When you're going to school, it should be a safe place, but it's not anymore.”

Birdwell called the proposal a step in the wrong direction, noting that parking lots often feel unregulated.

“If you get hit in a parking lot, insurance can’t do much,” Birdwell said. “Imagine a shooting in a campus parking lot. I don’t like that.”

Samuel Bowen, a 20-year-old sophomore, offered a different perspective.

“I think guns are a good thing,” Bowen said. “It just depends who is holding them. Guns create problems, but it’s the person behind them with the motive.”

Riedman’s database recorded a peak of 303 school shooting incidents in 2022, compared to just 15 in 2010. As of early 2023, the U.S. had already seen 123 incidents. While Bowen sees guns as a tool for protection, he still supports keeping campuses weapon-free.

“If most shootings happen in parking lots, it’s a way for protection,” he said. “But I would like for campuses to stay a gun-free area.”

Both students worry about the potential for violence on campus. Birdwell described the thought of a shooter entering the library as “terrifying.” Bowen recalled the June 2, 2022, shooting at Cornerstone Church near campus, where a man killed two women before committing suicide.

“I was part of that [church group],” Bowen said. “Knowing it happened there, it was scary to go back.”

Quirmbach echoed the sentiment. “Think what would have happened had he brought an AR-15 and gotten inside the church,” he said.  “The two young women were shot with a handgun. When police searched the shooter’s apartment, they found an AR-15 and a semiautomatic rifle.”

Iowa law allows permitless carry for anyone over 21, but currently prohibits firearms on university campuses.

“Currently, the law states guns are not allowed on campus,” Carrie Jacobs, assistant chief of the Iowa State Police Department, said. Only law enforcement officers may carry weapons on university grounds.

"We feel that it's important for us to know who is carrying a firearm on campus. We're hoping that we can continue to have that," Jacobs said.

Jacobs worries that allowing firearms could lead to more thefts or crimes of passion.

“We get a lot of thefts of student’s laptops, phones. If it’s a firearm, there are much more serious consequences,” Jacobs said. “Not having immediate access to weapons helps enhance safety.”

Despite the fears, Jacobs assured the community that ISUPD prepares for active-threat scenarios monthly.

“We are not going to wait for the cavalry,” she said. “Officers are trained to go in on their own and stop the threat.”

Jacobs said prevention is as important as being prepared for shootings. She urged students to use the Iowa State Safe app and report suspicious behavior.

“There are always warning signs,” she said. “If you know something, please tell someone, an advisor, an RA, or a coach.”    

Quirmbach encouraged constituents to contact their legislators, particularly as the session continues.

“Kids, tell them you want your campus to be safe,” he said. “Parents, tell them you want your kids to survive until they graduate.”

If you see suspicious behavior, contact the Iowa State University Police Department at 515-294-4428 or dial 911 in an emergency. Students and staff are also encouraged to download the Iowa State Safe app.

“The Best Team, and the Best Band”

By Henry Gonzalez

May 7, 2025

AMES, Iowa — Signs of the offseason linger around Jack Trice Stadium. Empty stands loom silently. Cranes stand at the end zone where workers recently installed a new videoboard. End zone decals are barely visible, peeking through the grass.

Still, the Iowa State marching band fills the stadium with sound, as if the stands are full and the kickoff is moments away. After the conclusion of the ‘Spring Game,’ essentially a closed practice, Matt Campbell walked to the end zone with a surprise.

The Cyclones are coming off a historic 11-3 season, which included a conference championship appearance and a Pop-Tarts Bowl win. While Campbell focuses on recreating that magic for 2025, he turned his attention to another part of the program that endured a difficult year off the field.

Patil, who sat near the front of the bus, said the moment caught her off guard.

“I honestly wasn’t paying attention when it happened,” Patil said. “Trying not to panic and cause alarm was my main thought in the moment.”

Both students described the crash as the low point in a season marked by travel difficulties. It was not the first time the Cyclone marching band made the local news for transit incidents. The band previously faced severe flight delays en route to Dallas for a separate game.

The band traveled to Dallas in separate groups. The first group did not arrive at their hotel until midnight the next day, and the other group followed an hour later. Both groups missed their scheduled rehearsals with the Arizona State Marching Band and musical artist Ne-Yo at AT&T Stadium.

“None of the incidents were in our control,” Patil said. “But when athletics and other administration stepped up to fix it, they did the best they could.”

Even before those incidents, the band suffered a bus breakdown on their way to a Cedar Rapids, Iowa, marching band event.

“Travel with the band this year has just felt unlucky,” Laake said. “With the plane issues flying to Dallas, the buses breaking down on the way to Cedar Rapids, and the bus crash coming back from Orlando. All of these events were out of anyone’s control.”

Campbell took notice. A few days after the crash, he called Cyclone Marching Band Director Christian Carichner.

“The week we came back, I was driving and I got a call from an Iowa State number,” Carichner said. “I answer it, and it’s Matt Campbell. I immediately pull over. This was the week the Chicago Bears were interviewing him, so I thought, 'Oh no. He’s calling to let me know he’s leaving.'”

Carichner laughed while recalling the moment, but the call quickly turned serious.

“The first thing he asked was if the band was OK, and whether there were any injuries,” Carichner said.

Carichner assured the coach that students had sustained only minor injuries and emotional shock. Campbell offered his assistance immediately.

“[Campbell] told me, ‘If there’s anything we can do to help, or with travel, let me know,’” Carichner said.

Campbell also thanked the band for their effort during the Pop-Tarts Bowl. He told Carichner that the band was crucial on the first drive and that it helped cause the game's first turnover.

The first play from scrimmage resulted in the eventual No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cam Ward, fumbling the snap. Iowa State recovered the ball.

Campbell was not the only coach to point out the band’s impact. On X (formerly Twitter), Defensive Coordinator Jon Heacock praised the band. “On Fire Last night....DIFFERENCE MAKERS,” Heacock wrote.

Around 7 p.m. on Dec. 30, 2024, near the Georgia-Tennessee border, a privately owned school bus pulled out in front of a motorcoach carrying Iowa State University marching band members. The collision caused the school bus to flee the scene, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Emergency responders treated dozens of band members for bumps, bruises, and cuts. Kyle Laake, the mellophone section captain, and Sonia Patil, a clarinet section guide, were among the injured.

“I’ve always felt pretty invincible riding a tour bus,” Laake said. “It was shocking when the crash actually happened. I was mostly concerned if anyone else was injured.”

While preparing for the team’s first matchup every August, Campbell meets with the marching band during their welcome meetings. This follows an audition process where members practice for 12 hours a day in the summer heat to earn their spots.

“There just aren’t many Power Four coaches like him who care about the overall university and the band the way he does,” Carichner said.

A few months later, Campbell fulfilled his promise of support. He offered a public thank-you after the spring game and brought a gift for each member.

“In that first meeting back in August, I said we had a chance to do something really powerful together,” Campbell said. “What we were able to do last year, 11-3, the greatest season in school history. To do it with you guys every step of the way was really magical.”

Campbell then revealed the surprise.

“In the Pop-Tarts Bowl, I felt like you guys were the difference down there,” Campbell said. “I felt like it was a little unfair that [the players] got bowl championship shirts and you didn’t.”

Campbell paused as the band listened.

“So on the way out, we’re going to give you the same shirts our guys got. Pop-Tarts Bowl champions. And we’re going to feed you,” Campbell said.

The band roared in excitement. Campbell and Carichner shared a hug.

“To me, I don’t take it for granted. The ability to do it together is what makes it really special,” Campbell said. “You guys make it special to be a Cyclone.”

The shirts featured a message for the students: "The best team in school history, and the best band in school history."

Henry Gonzalez is a member of the Iowa State University Cyclone Football Varsity Marching Band.

No. 4 Cyclones poised to repeat as conference champs after strong fall start

By Henry Gonzalez

Mar. 14, 2025

AMES, Iowa — The Iowa State club baseball team gears up for revenge in the spring portion of the 2024-25 season as the No. 4 team in NCBA Division I. The Cyclones' 11-6 loss to Michigan in the NCBA World Series last season remains fresh in the ballclub’s mind. Upperclassmen reflected on their journey back to the top during Monday’s practice at Cap Timm Field.

“Our roster is deeper now than it was last year, so we're on our redemption tour,” Evan Betteni, a junior first baseman, said.

After an encouraging 5-1 start to the season, the Cyclones aim to repeat as Mid-American North Conference champions. Junior third baseman Liam McGee expressed optimism about the club's return to the postseason.

“The team has only gotten stronger,” McGee said. “Returning starters means we’ll have a lot of postseason experience we didn’t have last year.”

Among the returning starters is Zachary Nelson, a two-time First Team NCBA Division I All-American pitcher. The junior ace posted a 6-1 record with a 1.31 ERA and 85 strikeouts over 55 innings during the 2023-24 season.

Nelson joined his teammates for work after classes, throwing a bullpen session with McGee, who is transitioning to catcher for the spring. While the duo refined Nelson’s arsenal, freshman members watched and reflected on the season ahead.

“The expectation is to never lose,” Jack Ruddy, a freshman infielder, said. “The toughest part about working on your game is finding time.”

Several players echoed similar sentiments, as the club consists of full-time students who receive no assistance from the Iowa State athletic department.

“It’s a completely student-led club, with the elected officers making most of the decisions,” McGee said.

Because the club is student-led, players often step into quasi-coaching roles. McGee comfortably took the reins during practice.

“It’s really nice because you don’t have coaches breathing down everyone’s neck,” McGee said. “Personal motivation keeps us in check.”

The Cyclones begin a three-game set against Minnesota on March 24. The series marks the team’s first game action since their matchup against South Dakota on Oct. 27, 2024. As the team prepares, freshman pitcher Joe Stelzig already has his sights set on a classic in-state rivalry.

“It’s gonna be fun for [the Hawkeyes] to drive here and go 0-3 and drive back to Iowa City,” Stelzig said.

The Cyclones will host a three-game conference series against the Iowa Hawkeyes in their last series of the year, with potential postseason implications. Currently, the Cyclones sit atop the conference standings. Last season, the Cyclones took the series 2-1 in Iowa City on their way to a conference title.

While the team builds its skill on the field, players believe their culture of mental fortitude provides the ultimate advantage.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from, you’re always gonna be needed,” Brad Corcoran, a junior pitcher, said.

Corcoran singled out one aspect of the game where he believes Iowa State has an advantage going into the spring.

“We’ve got a lot of people beat in the mental game,” Corcoran said. “There were a lot of times we were down in games, but we always keep the energy up in the dugout. And that keeps us in games.”

Jacobson’s Late-Game Heroics Lift Waukee Over Roosevelt in Senior Night Thriller

By Henry Gonzalez

Feb. 14, 2025

WAUKEE, Iowa — Evan Jacobson scored 21 points to lead Waukee to a 64-58 victory over Des Moines Roosevelt in a controversy-filled game Friday at Waukee Field House.

The intense back-and-forth affair produced a memorable finish on senior night as neither team generated a lead larger than six points. The Warriors trailed 55-54 with 1:52 remaining when Jacobson, a junior forward, hit his first 3-pointer of the night to give Waukee the lead.

“We were just in the best position we could be in at that time, and we all knew that,” Jacobson said. “We picked it up defensively and the shots started falling.”

After Roosevelt senior guard Remi Taylor tied the game with a layup, Jacobson excelled again. While fiercely guarded by Roosevelt forward Kuaye Noah, Jacobson delivered a turnaround midrange jumper to reclaim a 59-57 lead with 1:11 remaining.

After Waukee forward Carter Johnson went 1-for-2 from the free-throw line, the Warriors intentionally fouled Roosevelt guard Iven Karla to prevent a game-tying 3-point attempt. Karla missed both attempts, leading to an intense officiating dispute on the following possession.

With 20 seconds left, Jacobson dribbled into the paint as Roughrider forward Finley Newman guarded him. Two referees simultaneously blew their whistles; one signaling a charge and the other a blocking foul. As both benches erupted, the officials convened and called a double foul. The possession arrow awarded the ball back to Roosevelt, giving the Riders a chance to tie.

Subsequently, Roosevelt guard Charlie King inbounded to Karla, who was fouled again. Karla made the first free throw but missed the second. Johnson gathered the rebound, drew a foul, and sank both free throws to extend the lead to 62-58.

Waukee fouled Karla for a third time, and he missed both attempts again. King gathered the rebound and fired a quick 3-pointer that missed. Jacobson grabbed the final board, sealing the comeback victory.

"We just had to weather the storm," Waukee head coach Kevin Kanaskie said. "They're a really good team. They're 15-5 for a reason."

The Warriors struggled early due to a slow start from Jacobson, who was a game-time decision due to a knee injury.   

“Evan’s banged up. He didn’t think he’d play,” Kanaskie said. “He missed some shots early, but he found his shot in the fourth quarter, and we really rely on him a lot.”

A timeout by Kanaskie with five minutes remaining proved to be the turning point. Following the break, the Warriors employed a 2-3 zone that tamed the previously sizzling Roosevelt duo of King and Taylor.   

Despite a combined 38-point performance from King and Taylor, the Roughriders have lost their last two games heading into a Monday matchup against Valley. Waukee looks to extend its three-game win streak on Tuesday against Des Moines North as the Warriors prepare for a likely state tournament run.

Where the Game Becomes Our Story

By Henry Gonzalez 

Mar. 27, 2025

AMES, Iowa — Rough, patchy field grass slickened under the cold air at Jack Trice Stadium. Throughout the season, the once-bright green turf faded, allowing the dark dirt to peek through the blades. The wind reddened my nose to nearly match the cardinal on our marching band uniforms. I can no longer play my saxophone; the 19-degree weather froze the keyholes shut. However, 56,228 people, including me, hold our breath for one final stop. I closed my eyes before a fourth-and-15 at the Kansas State 15-yard line, with 40 seconds remaining. I prayed for the win and for more time, but not for the game.

The storybook season had more riding on the line than a historic 10-win season or a Big 12 championship game berth. For me, it became something more significant than the game itself.

The Tuesday before the game, I received news that my grandfather was terminal with both kidney and liver failure. Doctors gave him a prognosis of six to 12 months to live. Earlier in the year, he suffered from sepsis due to a shoulder infection, and his health declined steadily from that point.

My mother left Des Moines to set up my grandfather's in-home care in Dallas so he could undergo dialysis at home rather than in a hospital. As a college student with little money, I had zero time to see him alone. I talked on the phone with my brother, Nick, who lived with my grandfather, to see if I could say goodbye during spring break. His voice softly let me down, much like it did when he cared for me as a child.

"I don't know, Henny. I don't think he's gonna make it that long. I think you're gonna have to say goodbye sooner," Nick said.

The words rang in my head before the snap. As a member of the band and a valiant supporter of the Cyclones, I saw the championship berth as a testament to the season. Like many fans in Jack Trice on that cold November night, I wanted the Cyclones to punch their ticket to Dallas. However, as a grandson, I wanted them to punch that ticket so I could say goodbye.

As the ball ricocheted off the ground on fourth down for a turnover on downs, I looked at the sky and smiled. After one last kneel-down by Rocco Becht, I began to play the fight song the best I could. The sea of fans rushing the field burned an image into my memory I will never forget. They stayed long after the team left, celebrating with the band as we played on.

Brooke Wreay, a fellow marching band member and a Dallas-Fort Worth native, found me in the crowd of hugs.

"My parents only get to see me once or twice a season, and I also know how much your family means to you," Wreay said as we embraced.

The trip to Dallas was disastrous, with lengthy delays that made the local news. I originally planned to have dinner with my extended family, but over half of the band arrived after midnight. Exhausted, my sister still waited to take me to see him.

His body was frail, and the man who seemed invincible all my life now showed the scars of battle. His bedroom, fitted with medical equipment, differed starkly from my memories. Nonetheless, he was happy to see me and hugged me.

"I am so happy to see you, mijo. I am so grateful for this," he said.

Our visit was quick as he went back to bed.  The game was bittersweet; Arizona State thwarted the Cyclones' quest for a Big 12 title. However, performing at AT&T Stadium was a dream come true. My entire family, especially my grandfather, gathered each Sunday to support the Dallas Cowboys. 

He would send my family a Dallas Cowboys calendar almost every year—a little reminder of home away from home. He even owned a signed picture of Tom Landry that stayed in his bedroom until his passing.

He passed down his love for the game across multiple generations, instilling in me the passion for my career. For most, Saturdays in Jack Trice are a sporting spectacle. But for us, this beautiful game becomes a part of our stories. 

My grandfather, Joe B. Contreras, was 74.