Differing opinions on gun control in metro Detroit
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By Robin Schwartz, Fox 2 News -
One of the guns for sale at a shop we visited in Livonia. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -
They're powerful and lethal, sometimes used to prevent crimes, sometimes used to claim innocent lives. Guns, rifles and assault rifles are readily available. A gun shop in Livonia sells the same semiautomatic weapons legally purchased by Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes.
"Historically it's been proven that, in fact, people that are of the criminal mind will find a way to acquire firearms," said range instructor and former Northville Township Police Lieutenant John Sherman.
He believes banning assault weapons or tightening restrictions will not prevent mass shootings like the one in Aurora.
"I really don't think that a ban on firearms is going to stop this type of horrible activity."
Legal and illegal guns are easy to get. Online sales often help people get around background checks. In Michigan, no permit or license is required to purchase rifles or shotguns, and they don't have to be registered.
A sign right outside the Livonia gun shop we visited reads "we save lives," but there's another side to this debate and another group that wholeheartedly disagrees.
"America seems to be addicted to violence. We must restrict its access to assault weapons," said Rev. D. Alexander Bullock with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
A group, including members of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition held a prayer vigil Sunday outside the AMC Star Theater in Southfield. They're headed to Washington to push for a ban and tougher restrictions. They say America's future depends on it.
"When do we say we must change our world and shape it so that no other children are worried about being killed in movie theaters?" Bullock said.
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One of the guns for sale at a shop we visited in Livonia. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
