Local Gun Show Sparks Debate
By: Ashley Zilka
Updated: January 10, 2013
It's been less than one month since the Newtown Shooting and less than two weeks since the tragedy that rocked the town of Webster. Yet, thousands of people packed Rochester Tech Park Sunday. The reason...the Original Gun Show.
"If we didn't have a gun show today, it would be a play up to the guy that committed the crime. It would make him have what he wanted to have. This way here, it goes on and shows him no recognition," said Matt Itterman of Spencerport.
Justin Parkhurst took his 8-year-old son to his first gun show Sunday. He says the timing of the show is appropriate. Because of the recent shootings, he believes the right to keep and bear arms is more important now than ever.
"I don't think it's insensitive at all. I feel horrible for the families and the dead obviously but it's the right to carry a weapon that makes us American and we have to embrace that. It's because of people like that, I feel safer owning one," said Justin Parkhurst of Greece.
Justin isn't alone. He says supplies are flying off the shelves at local gun shops and the large crowd Sunday could mean many gun owners are preparing for new legislation at the federal and state level.
"I think everybody is a little nervous that they are taking away our rights so we are here to stockpile probably," said Parkhurst.
Some hope the changes will come sooner rather than later.
"I'm not in favor of handguns at all. I think a handgun has one object. You don't hunt deer with a handgun. You kill people with handguns," said Thomas Ballard of Irondequoit.
"I think we should keep regulations on the guns. I think we need a fair hearing of it and we should have some strong regulations about guns," said Lou Ballard.
Gun show organizers say they donate to many organizations. Some of the funds are used on training courses for gun owners.
Governor Andrew Cuomo will deliver his third State of the State address next week.
It's expected to include new gun control measures, that could include a new ban on assault rifles and high capacity clips for bullets.
President Obama also promised gun control measures; he has asked congress to ban high-powered assault rifles along with high capacity clips and magazines.
"If we didn't have a gun show today, it would be a play up to the guy that committed the crime. It would make him have what he wanted to have. This way here, it goes on and shows him no recognition," said Matt Itterman of Spencerport.
Justin Parkhurst took his 8-year-old son to his first gun show Sunday. He says the timing of the show is appropriate. Because of the recent shootings, he believes the right to keep and bear arms is more important now than ever.
"I don't think it's insensitive at all. I feel horrible for the families and the dead obviously but it's the right to carry a weapon that makes us American and we have to embrace that. It's because of people like that, I feel safer owning one," said Justin Parkhurst of Greece.
Justin isn't alone. He says supplies are flying off the shelves at local gun shops and the large crowd Sunday could mean many gun owners are preparing for new legislation at the federal and state level.
"I think everybody is a little nervous that they are taking away our rights so we are here to stockpile probably," said Parkhurst.
Some hope the changes will come sooner rather than later.
"I'm not in favor of handguns at all. I think a handgun has one object. You don't hunt deer with a handgun. You kill people with handguns," said Thomas Ballard of Irondequoit.
"I think we should keep regulations on the guns. I think we need a fair hearing of it and we should have some strong regulations about guns," said Lou Ballard.
Gun show organizers say they donate to many organizations. Some of the funds are used on training courses for gun owners.
Governor Andrew Cuomo will deliver his third State of the State address next week.
It's expected to include new gun control measures, that could include a new ban on assault rifles and high capacity clips for bullets.
President Obama also promised gun control measures; he has asked congress to ban high-powered assault rifles along with high capacity clips and magazines.
Comments
Another, by the way, the should have a "I am.....disappointed" button to the right of the comment section.
Paul R.
January 7, 2013 at 7:56 am
misinformed once again. I hunt deer with 3 different Pistols .I also use shotguns,muzzleloaders and rifles . I follow to the letter of the laws . Unfortunately we will be bombarded with anti gun BS rather than go after the Criminal.
Jim M.
January 7, 2013 at 7:42 am
