Does the Colorado Theater Shooting Affect Your View on Gun Control? – Survey of the Day
Gun control has always been a major issue of debate in America — right up alongside the more recently heated topics of abortion, same-sex marriage and health care — but the tragic shooting of 71 people during a Colorado theater’s showing of ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ has given this controversy a brand new spotlight.
Some media outlets are calling suspected shooter James Holmes’ actions the “worst mass shooting in US history,” and has hence made many Americans reevaluate their thoughts on gun control law.
“All the ammunition he possessed, he possessed legally; all the weapons he possessed, he possessed legally; all the clips he possessed, he possessed legally,” said Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates.
As ABC News pointed out, Colorado is not as strict as some of the other states when it comes to the possession of fire arms. Though background checks are required of anyone purchasing pieces at gun shows, they are not required for online purchases. In addition, they are neither required for the purchase of assault weapons, like handguns, and high capacity ammunition clips; and ownership licenses are not required.
Since the tragedy in Colorado, New York City Mayor Bloomberg has become an advocate for stricter gun control laws, saying it’s “obviously a problem across the country.” For the most part, however, opinions of the general public haven’t seen dramatic changes in the past due to major tragedies involving guns.
One thing does seem clear, though — it’s quickly becoming a major debating point for Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama as the election race continues to heat up. Now’s your chance to get involved in the debate.