News & Events

Liberty awards scholarship to high school student arrested for gun violation

A North Carolina high school student made national headlines when he was arrested on Monday and faces expulsion for accidentally leaving a shotgun in his pickup truck in the school parking lot.

Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr., while traveling in North Carolina, learned of Cole Withrow's story from a local evening news broadcast. The 18-year-old was wearing a “Liberty Football” T-shirt. Falwell followed up with him, discovering his sister was a graduate.

Falwell issued the following statement: "When I reached out to encourage this responsible and impressive young man, I learned that he wanted to go to Liberty University, but couldn't afford it. I told him that we would do whatever he needed so that he can attend Liberty. Anti-gun zealots tried to vilify him for doing the right thing, so Liberty has decided to award him the help he needs to attend a private Christian college. I was really impressed with Cole. He is a humble and meek Christian kid who only wants to do the right thing! We want students like Cole Withrow."

• Read the follow-up story on FOX News radio's website.