New Push For Tougher Gun Laws As Newtown Prepares To Mark 2 Years Since Sandy Hook Tragedy
NEWTOWN, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- As Newtown prepares to mark two years since the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, some supporters of tougher gun laws will be in Washington Wednesday, calling for expanded background checks to prevent gun violence.
Newtown Action Alliance Chairman Po Murray said more than 170 organizations have signed a letter of support for new federal gun measures.
"Over 90 percent of Americans supporting the expansion of the background checks, essentially, it has to happen," Murray said. "Without having the legislative changes there will be other incidents in this country and I hope that Americans do not wait until something happens to them."
Congress rejected legislation in the aftermath of Sandy Hook and Murray sees this as a chance for legislators to take the high ground, WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reported.
"It shouldn't be about whether you're a Republican or a Democrat because everyone is affected by gun violence," Murray said.
According to the group Everytown for Gun Safety, there have been nearly 100 shootings or gun incidents in schools in the two years since the 2012 Newtown shooting -- roughly one per week.
Sunday is the second anniversary of the shooting.
On Dec. 14, 2012, Adam Lanza fatally shot 26 people — including 20 children — at Sandy Hook Elementary School before turning the gun on himself. He also killed his mother at her home.
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