Local reaction to Aurora

Four Democrats on Tuesday stood alone in the wake of the mass shooting in Aurora, Colo. to voice support for new legislation aimed to combat gun violence.

It was McCarthy’s push for more stringent gun control laws that propelled her into Congress in 1997 after Colin Ferguson opened fire on random unarmed passengers, killing her husband, and severely injuring her son.

“High capacity magazines are made for military only,” stressed McCarthy (D-NY) in a conversation she had with The Jewish Star just hours after she joined three of her colleagues, Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, and New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez at a press conference in D.C. to voice support for Lautenberg’s bill outlawing the sale of high-capacity gun magazines.

Additionally, McCarthy is strongly advocating for closing the gun show loophole which has facilitated the sale of guns at the shows without asking for a background check. “There are things that we can implement that in my opinion aren’t infringing on the rights of gun owners. I can’t understand the thinking of the NRA,” continued McCarthy. “What about the freedom of people going to the movies without being mowed down. Why wouldn’t the NRA want to take guns out of the hands of criminals?”

“America can take a lesson from Israelis who live with the threat of violence every day,” says McCarthy. “They don’t let the threat interfere with their daily living but take necessary precautions.”

“This is not a time for political posturing,” said Nassau County Legislator Fran Becker. “I think this is a time to show support for the families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones and support them in every way possible. If anything we should try to come to an understanding of what would drive a young person with their entire life before them to commit such a horrific act and destroy the lives of so many.” Becker (R-Lynbrook) is running against McCarthy in the upcoming Congressional election in November.