SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - The recent movie theatre shooting in Colorado is reopening the nation's passionate debate about gun control and gun rights. Saturday ABC 4 talked to several Utahns passionate on both sides of the issue.
Gun control became a hot topic Saturday night on social media sites like facebook and Twitter.
Some are for gun control, like this tweet - @RobbieFitch: "We need better gun control @BarackObama ! The ease in which someone can attain firearms is bemusing and unacceptable."
Others are against it - @Lrihendry: "Dear Libs, gun control does nothing to prevent criminals from obtaining firearms."
Much of the debate stems from the theatre shooting in Aurora, Colorado. Suspect James Holmes is accused of killing 12 people, and injuring 59 others. He had two handguns, a shotgun and an assault rifle.
Today ABC 4 Reporter Brian Carlson spoke to people who felt strongly on both sides.
"It's important for us to protect ourselves and our families," said Mike Gilbert, against gun control.
"I'm scared of guns. I don't want anything to do with them," said Imogene Roosendaal, for gun control.
But if you ask gun advocate Bill Pedersen with the Utah Shooting Sports Council, he said more gun control is not the answer.
“I can tell you this, had we regulated guns and ammunition this event still would've happened," said Bill Pedersen, Utah Shooting Sports Council.
Besides gun rights groups, there are also gun control advocate groups here in Utah. ABC 4 tried to contact them Saturday night, but our calls and emails were not immediately returned.
