President Obama's remarks after mass shooting sparks renewed debate over gun control laws
By: Caroline Connolly
SALT LAKE CITY -- In response to the mass shooting in Oregon Thursday, President Barack Obama had some harsh words for those opposing new gun control laws.
"We've become numb to this," Obama said. "There is a gun for roughly every man, woman and child in America. So, how can you, with a straight face, make the argument that more guns will make us safer?"
The President expressed his frustration over failed attempts at tightening gun laws in the past, stating Thursday that sending prayers and thoughts to victims was no longer good enough. He criticized lawmakers who have blocked his efforts to do more.
"We need more guns, they'll argue," Obama said. "Fewer gun safety laws. Does anybody really believe that?"
In Utah, many do.
"This is nothing new from this president. He tries time and time again to put up gun laws that would have done nothing to prevent this kind of thing," said Clark Aposhian, chairman of the Utah Shooting Sports Council.
State law allows anyone over the age of 21 to carry a concealed weapon in schools and on college campuses as long as they obtain the proper permit. It's a right that Aposhian believes has likely deterred crime and prevented the kinds of shootings seen elsewhere.
"It's not going to stop someone bent on violence in going to a school or university from starting," Aposhian said. "However, our ability for our students, staff and faculty to carry firearms in lawful self-defense may very well deter or mitigate how long he's able to carry that out."