TROTWOOD -- It was exactly one week ago that a gunman shot 27 people in Newtown, Connecticut, before taking his own life. The school massacre has people across the country questioning whether our current gun control laws are strong enough, especially when it pertains to gun shows.
Bill Goodmanâs Gun and Knife Show was been coming to Hara Arena for years. A lot of people thought it should've been canceled out of respect to the Newtown victims. The owner says everyone with a booth is required to give buyers a background check.
Thousands of people flock the show every time it comes to town. But this weekend may be a little different.
âWe know they're going to draw a crowd because everyone wants to get their weapons before new laws come into place,â said community activist, Rev. Jerome McCory.
The Newtown school massacre has some lawmakers considering legislation to crack down on gun ownership and sales. Under current law, gun stores and licensed dealers at gun shows, like Bill Goodmanâs, have to check ID and do a background check before handing over a firearm. However an average Joe who brings a gun to the show can legally sell it to another guy.. No background check is required. Critics consider that a serious loophole.
âI think when you go to gun shows, a lot of people who shouldn't get them can get them,â said Scott Mellon of Dayton
Bill Goodman's website addresses the so-called loophole, calling it a derogatory reference to something supported by law. But legal or not, in wake of the Newtown tragedy, many people feel holding the gun show now is callus.
âI think we shouldn't be having the gun show after what just happened,â said Deanna Elan of Huber Heights.
In fact, several community groups plan to protest the show.
âWe don't think the solution or the answer is to empower more people by putting more guns in their hands,â McCory said.
The show owner released a statement that reads in part, âAs with every parent we were shocked and saddened by the horrific tragedy. We strongly believe that you can't protect people by rending them defenseless against people intent on causing harm. Banning guns won't keep them out of the hands of criminals..."
The gun show is Saturday from 9-5 and Sunday from 9-4. Protesting also slated to start at 9 am.
Bill Goodmanâs Gun and Knife Show was been coming to Hara Arena for years. A lot of people thought it should've been canceled out of respect to the Newtown victims. The owner says everyone with a booth is required to give buyers a background check.
Thousands of people flock the show every time it comes to town. But this weekend may be a little different.
âWe know they're going to draw a crowd because everyone wants to get their weapons before new laws come into place,â said community activist, Rev. Jerome McCory.
The Newtown school massacre has some lawmakers considering legislation to crack down on gun ownership and sales. Under current law, gun stores and licensed dealers at gun shows, like Bill Goodmanâs, have to check ID and do a background check before handing over a firearm. However an average Joe who brings a gun to the show can legally sell it to another guy.. No background check is required. Critics consider that a serious loophole.
âI think when you go to gun shows, a lot of people who shouldn't get them can get them,â said Scott Mellon of Dayton
Bill Goodman's website addresses the so-called loophole, calling it a derogatory reference to something supported by law. But legal or not, in wake of the Newtown tragedy, many people feel holding the gun show now is callus.
âI think we shouldn't be having the gun show after what just happened,â said Deanna Elan of Huber Heights.
In fact, several community groups plan to protest the show.
âWe don't think the solution or the answer is to empower more people by putting more guns in their hands,â McCory said.
The show owner released a statement that reads in part, âAs with every parent we were shocked and saddened by the horrific tragedy. We strongly believe that you can't protect people by rending them defenseless against people intent on causing harm. Banning guns won't keep them out of the hands of criminals..."
The gun show is Saturday from 9-5 and Sunday from 9-4. Protesting also slated to start at 9 am.