Lawmakers react to gun control debate

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)  There are definitely different opinions around Fort Wayne on gun control after Friday's tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.  But some Indiana lawmakers aren't yet ready to point to gun restrictions as a possible solution to the violence.

NewsChannel spoke with a handful of people in downtown Fort Wayne Tuesday afternoon.  Andy Boxberger thinks there should be a ban on assault weapons. 

"There's not really a rational reason why a citizen needs to have an assault rifle," Boxberger said.  "It's obvious, unfortunately through that incident, that that's pretty clear."

Bob Nicholson agreed with Boxberger.  "I haven't heard anybody articulate a good reason why they need to have these guns or why they need to be so easy to buy," Nicholson said.  "There’s a point in time in which you have to just stand up and say maybe we have a problem and somebody should do something about it."

But Caleb Swerens disagreed.  He doesn't think an assault weapon ban would accurately portray the Second Amendment.

"The problem with gun control is it limits law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and other innocent people.  It does not affect criminal's ability to harm others," Swerens said.  "It's already illegal to carry a gun into any K-12 school and that didn't stop this guy.  So increased gun control is not going to help.  But what will help is more law-abiding people with guns."

U.S. Representative Marlin Stutzman (R-District 3) released the following statement to NewsChannel 15 regarding the gun control issue:

“Like so many parents across the country, Christy and I were deeply saddened to learn of the tragedy in Connecticut. As we continue to grieve with those who grieve, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. I look forward to a fact-based discussion during the next session of Congress on ways to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.”

Senator-elect Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) released the following statement to NewsChannel 15 regarding gun control:

"Friday's tragedy in Newtown is heartbreaking, and my family and I continue to keep the victims and their families in our prayers. Now is the time to work together to make sure this never happens again. All parties must come to the table as we determine the appropriate action to address this extremely concerning problem of senseless violence."