LOCAL NEWS

Utah Advocacy Groups Urge Action In Gun Reform

Aug 6, 2019, 6:02 AM | Updated: 6:03 am

...

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utahns are demanding action in Washington D.C. in the wake of two tragic mass shootings over the weekend.

“It’s about time,” said Steve Andersen as he walked down the streets of Salt Lake City Monday afternoon.

The pace of many is quick, but their destinations vary, as do the messages Utahns have for leaders in our nation’s capital.

“Second amendment rights, gun violence – I feel like it’s all very complicated,” cyclist Dallin Cheng said after stopping at an intersection on his bike.

For others though, the response seems clear.

“My opinion is, it’s not guns, it’s hearts,” Jolene Merrill said. “The nation needs to get back to God.”

“I feel like gun control is really the only way to handle the situation,” Salt Lake resident Olivia Wright said.

“I think we should get rid of assault rifles,” Austin McNulty added. “There’s no need for them.”

“A lot of people have been asking for stricter background checks, banning semi-automatics, those kinds of things,” said Lauren Elaine, who is visiting from Colorado. “So that’s what I would say to Washington is – ‘how many more until congress starts listening?’”

Advocacy Groups Call For Gun Reform

Utah advocacy groups call for gun reform in the wake of mass shootings in El Pas, Texas and Dayton, Ohio.

Posted by KSL 5 TV on Monday, August 5, 2019

Elaine is visiting Jason Wheelock, who lives in Utah but spent his childhood in Dayton, Ohio – one of two mass shooting scenes over the weekend.

“I don’t have a political stance on these types of things,” Wheelock said. “But I know growing up in Dayton, you hear something like this happen and it affects you a little more personally.”

“It’s awful that (the Dayton and El Paso shootings) happened,” Cheng agreed. “We do have the second amendment for a reason and I think what I want to send to Washington is – I want us to remember why we have those rights, and then start the discussion from there.”

On Monday, the Gun Violence Prevention Center, March for our Lives, Moms Demand Action and Alliance for a Better Utah came together to demand action from the state’s senators. The groups specifically called on Senators Mike Lee and Mitt Romney to support three things:

  1. H.R. 8, a bill to strengthen background checks. The House of Representatives already passed the bill earlier this year. It’s now in the hands of the U.S. Senate.
  2. Funding to study gun violence. This House has already approved this funding. This is also now in the hands of the Senate.
  3. Reinstating the federal ban on assault weapons.

“These three reforms are something that could prevent some mass shootings,” said Chase Thomas, executive director of Alliance for a Better Utah. “It’s a step beyond just talking about. It’s a step beyond thoughts and prayers. We need to be taking action.”

If there’s one thing that Utahns KSL spoke to seem to agree on, it’s that something needs to happen.

“There’s just a lot of evil in the world. They’re going to find a way to hurt each other no matter what,” Wheelock said. “Are we doing everything we can to slow it down or stop it? That’s the best we can do.”

In a statement sent out Monday, Senator Romney said in part, “Many of my Senate colleagues have proposals that touch on different aspects of this debate. These issues involve constitutional rights and deeply held beliefs – but that is not an excuse to shy away from a serious, fact-based, and thorough national discussion which will potentially lead to remedial legislation. This will require courage and a willingness from all sides to find areas of consensus, instead of retreating to partisan corners. I am determined to be a constructive voice in that endeavor.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Hope Hero Foundation Logo on key chain...

Karah Brackin

Utah’s Hope Hero Foundation is saving teen lives

Discover how The Hope Hero Foundation empowers teens and prevents suicide. Be the hero of your own story!

1 hour ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Car fleeing from carjacking attempt rolls and bursts into flames on I-15

A car rolled and burst into flames on the ramp from 201 to Interstate 15  after fleeing from an attempted robbery, police said.

1 hour ago

Caroline Gleich wants to change what a senator should look like...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

Caroline Gleich wants to change what people think a senator should ‘look’ like

"I don't look like a U.S. senator." It's a message professional ski mountaineer and Democratic Senate candidate Caroline Gleich has heard often enough as she began her first televised ad of the 2024 cycle by addressing it.

3 hours ago

Loren Richardson shoots video of him snowboarding when a Brighton man confronted him on Feb. 26. Th...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Brighton resident charged with threatening, pointing shotgun at snowboarder

A Brighton man was charged Thursday with aggravated assault and accused of pointing a shotgun at a backcountry skier who went on his property on Feb. 26.

5 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Breeze Airways announces new flights out of Provo to Dallas Fort Worth

Getting to the Lone Star State just got easier. Breeze Airways announced a new flights to Dallas Fort Worth from Provo.

5 hours ago

(KSL TV)...

Andrew Adams

Data shows significant uptick in gas prices over past month in Salt Lake area

Gas prices rose considerably over the past month in the Salt Lake area, according to data from industry watchers.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah Advocacy Groups Urge Action In Gun Reform