The tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut has sparked a debate about gun control in America. Read stories submitted throughout the myFOX web network to see where people stand on the issue from across the United States.
The tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut has sparked a debate about gun control in America. Read stories submitted throughout the myFOX web network to get a sense where people and lawmakers stand on the issue from across the United States.
Former D.C. Police Chief Charles Ramsey met with Vice President Joe Biden (and other cabinet members) Thursday on the issue of gun control.
It was the first meeting of a White House working group which has been given the task of coming up with policy suggestions to make the nation safer. President Barack Obama established the group in the wake of a school shooting in Connecticut in which 20 children were murdered, as well as a half dozen adults.
In a brief photo opportunity at the top of the meeting, Vice President Biden told several law enforcement leaders, "The President is absolutely committed to keeping his promise that we will act. And we will act in a way that ... if we can only save one life, we have to take action."
The medical examiner in Connecticut has concluded that the shooter used an assault rifle to murder the children and adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Vice President Biden indicated the administration will quickly ask Congress to re-impose the ban on sales of assault rifles. To do that, Biden told the meeting, "We're going to need the advocacy of the law enforcement organizations in this country."
Sitting to the left of the Vice President was Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, who used to be the police chief here in D.C.
Ramsey supports reestablishing the ban on selling assault weapons in the U.S. He has other suggestions on gun safety, including closing "The gun show loophole [which allows] private sales between individuals."
Ramsey also suggests federal scrutiny in other areas: "Internet sales of ammunition and firearms. There's technology such as micro-stamping new weapons that should, perhaps, be explored. In addition to that, technology to create a database, so that it makes it a little easier to trace some of these guns."
On Friday, Attorney General Eric Holder, who is also on the special working group, will travel to Connecticut to speak with law enforcement officials who had to respond to the shooting spree.
Also on Friday, representatives of the National Rifle Association will give that organization's first detailed response to the murders in Connecticut and to the subsequent calls for restrictions on firearms.
That NRA news conference will take place in Washington at 10:45 a.m.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:51:22 GMT
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo.
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo. He is accused of driving without a license, then fleeing police, jumping a curb, and hitting Ariel and her grandmother as they were walking to school.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:13:15 GMT
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:30 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:30:42 GMT
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:13:39 GMT
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:38:42 GMT
By MATT ALVAREZ NEW JERSEY (MYFOXNY) -- Nearly eight months later after Superstorm Sandy, many Jersey Shore families are still displaced from their homes. The storm destroyed Pam Vasquez's family home
By MATT ALVAREZ NEW JERSEY (MYFOXNY) -- Nearly eight months later after Superstorm Sandy, many Jersey Shore families are still displaced from their homes. The storm destroyed Pam Vasquez's family home
Wednesday, June 19 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-06-19 17:46:33 GMT
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner and former D.C. Police Chief Charles Ramsey
