Virginia Beach, Va. - About 100 people met to discuss ways to reduce gun violence in the city on Wednesday night at Landstown High School. The discussion even included some students from Lynnhaven Middle School.
Illegal gun use is a big problem in the city, according to the police chief. Recent crime stats showed an uptick in aggravated assault cases where guns are involved, but how to solve the problem is not an easy answer.
"Background checks. That's huge," said Jeannette Richardson, a local advocate. "It's about saving lives, not taking guns." Richardson became an advocate for more gun control after the murder of her son in Newport News in 2004.
Others on the panel said the key is to enforce already existing laws with a stronger police force. "We need to look at real proposals that have real solutions and don't impact law abiding citizens," said John Pierce, a gun rights attorney.
