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.
WASHINGTON, DC -
The first congressional hearing on gun control since the Connecticut school shooting massacre has included a dramatic appeal for tougher gun laws from wounded former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
Speaking haltingly from a prepared statement, Giffords told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, "The time is now. You must act. Be bold, be courageous."
Her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, spoke as well, describing the effect on his wife from the shooting in Tucson two years ago. He said her "gift for speech is a distant memory," and that she struggles to walk, and is partially blind.
The hearing also included testimony from the National Rifle Association's Wayne LaPierre, who rejected bans on some assault weapons and high-capacity magazines that have been advocated by President Barack Obama.
Under questioning, LaPierre also conceded that his organization no longer supports universal background checks for gun purchasers. He said criminals wouldn't subject themselves to a background check, and that potential violators aren't aggressively prosecuted.
Republicans pledged to listen carefully to today's testimony, but didn't go beyond that. Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa said the shootings in Arizona and Connecticut were terrible tragedies, but that they "should not be used to put forward every gun control measure that has been floating around for years." He said any serious discussion of the issue has to also focus on mental health.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:20:51 GMT
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan.
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan. The protesters said Thursday they want Wendy's to sign an agreement to safeguard working conditions for Florida tomato pickers.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:06 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:06:33 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:07:03 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:23:09 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:28 AM EDT2013-05-23 10:28:29 GMT
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
