Up Close: Conversation about gun laws

NEWTOWN, Conn. (WABC) -- From President Barack Obama to members of Congress, to people on the streets, there is major conversation about toughening gun laws. But when will we see any action?

A week after the tragedy in Newtown, calls for stricter gun laws are growing louder and louder. President Obama is responding by appointing Vice President Joe Biden to lead a commission to come up with a comprehensive plan to end gun violence.

Having a plan is one thing, but with Congress divided, carrying out that plan is a whole other challenge. Diana Williams spoke with Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, who spent time in Newtown and attended the funerals.

In addition, if anyone can understand what the survivors of the Newtown school shootings are going through, it is Stephen Barton. Barton was in the movie theater in Aurora, Colorado on July 20th, when a gunman opened fire. He took 25 shotgun pellets to his face, neck, chest and arms.

Barton was in Aurora for just one night  a brief stop on his cross-country bike tour with a friend. For Barton, the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School is very personal  he grew up in Southbury Connecticut, just 10 minutes away from Newtown.

It is not just Newtown residents who are mobilizing to make a change. Another grassroots effort is underway to push for safer gun laws. It all began with two mothers in Connecticut who were desperate to do something to prevent another tragedy.

Nancy Lefkowitz and Meg Staunton are both Fairfield residents and mothers of three children. Both Lefkowitz and Staunton got together with a few friends to discuss gun violence  then their movement grew. They organized a march against gun violence outside the State Capitol Building in Hartford. The date of the march has now been changed to February 14th. For more details CLICK HERE.

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connecticut, school lockdown, shooting, newtown, newtown school shooting, mass shooting, northern suburbs news, diana williams

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