In the wake of the most recent mass shooting in Newtown, CT, Gun control has become a hot topic nationwide.
In a press conference Friday President Barack Obama said, "We're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics."
Even though the President's statement was vague many feel that more strict gun control laws is the direction he is pursuing, especially customers at Wild West Guns in Anchorage.
“I mean if you figure we have 300,000,000 guns in this country, how many are used in crimes? Statistically it’s insignificant and incidents like the one in Connecticut are even more statistically insignificant. That’s not to minimize the tragedy, it’s horrible. but you're never going to be able to prevent it with laws,” said Wild West Guns store manager Ken Feinman.
Saturday, just one day after more than 2 dozen people were killed at the hands of a gunman, customers entered Wild West Guns shopping for their own firearm.
Target shooters like Lori Gibbons, bought a new shotgun Saturday. She said she is optimistic that gun control laws will not become more strict following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
"I don't think it will get to that point, but you know I've thought about that," said Gibbons, "I don't think that'll ever happen in the US."
Still, some people think regulating guns could make the public safer.
“I definitely think that assault weapons don't need to be out on the street because nobody needs those for hunting or anything," said Susie Silook.
“We got way to many guns around, I'm a hunter but I think the NRA sucks,” said Dave McFadden.
Others said the guns aren't the problem and there are other things are to blame.
“Gun control is not the problem, the problem is we're making hero's if the criminals that are committing these acts,” said Wild West Guns owner Jim West.
Another issue being raised is better monitoring of mentally ill people. No matter where people stand on the issue of how to prevent tragedy's like Friday's, it's one political leaders will surely be discussing.
“It's just heartbreaking, I don't have the answers you know I'm just with the country grieving for the children and the adults and all their families,” said Silook.
Monday December 17, Anchorage Faith and Action Congregation Together will be holding a vigil for the victims who lost their lives in Connecticut. The vigil will be held at Central Luthern Church from 5:15 p.m. to at 6 p.m.
Contact Mallory Peebles
