Local Gun Sales Soar Despite Friday's Shooting
By: Michaela MacDonald
Updated: December 16, 2012
"We have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this. Regardless of the politics," said President Obama in his remarks after Friday's tragic shooting.
The shooting at Sandy Hook elementary has brought gun control back to the center of public debate. New York City Mayor and longtime gun control advocate Michael Bloomberg is calling for immediate action on this issue from the president and Congress.
"We need immediate action. We have heard all the rhetoric before. What we have not seen is leadership - not from the White House and not from Congress. That must end today. This is a national tragedy and it demands a national response," said Bloomberg.
But according to JD Clay of Sharp Shooters Gun Shop, Lubbock's reaction has been quite different. His store saw record visits and sales this weekend.
"A lot of it is people wanting to protect themselves. A lot of it is people looking for investment on guns because they may be harder to get," said Clay.
Clay says their shop already safeguards against selling to an unfit buyer. At Sharp Shooters they do the required government background check and paperwork, but also an unofficial screening.
"If we are uneasy with it, we'll call it off. Even if they can legally purchase one, if it don't feel right its not happening. That happens more than you'd think. You screen your customers because you are putting a firearm in their hands," said Clay.
Clay says he thinks that gun control would only take away guns from citizens with good intentions.
"In those who are going to do wrong with the gun to start with they are going to find a way to get them anyway. You are only harming the law abiding citizen," said Clay.
