In the aftermath of last week's tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona, which left six people dead and 14 others injured during an apparent assassination attempt on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, much of the ensuing discussion has revolved around gun laws. After Mayor Bloomberg and Peter King called for stricter gun laws this week, Senator Charles Schumer wondered this morning how accused shooter Jared Lee Loughner, who was rejected for military service because of drug use, was able to buy a gun:
"Now, by law that's on the books, he should not have been allowed to buy a gun. But the law doesn't require the military to notify the FBI, and in this case they didn't...To me, it's a vindication that smart, rational gun-control laws that protect the right to bear arms but have reasonable limits are the way to go," Schumer said on "Meet the Press." Meanwhile, over 4,500 weapons enthusiasts, many carrying guns, attended the Crossroads of the West Gun Show at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Arizona yesterday, only 13 miles away from where the shooting occurred; it's a two-day gun extravaganza that features more than 100 vendors hawking massive arsenals of AK-47s, assault weapons, sniper gear and ammo. "When guns are in the news, it inspires gun owners to get out and defend their Second and First Amendment rights," said show organizer Bob Templeto.
