The worst mass shooting in American history has re-ignited the debate over gun control. Senate Democrats plan to force a vote on legislation this week. WBFO's Chris Caya has reaction from some of the region's Congressional delegation.
The bill that could come up on Capitol Hill would let the government block guns sales to people on terrorism watch lists or to those it suspects of possible terror activities. Congressman Tom Reed says gun control is not going to prevent mass-shootings. Reed, a Corning Republican says, America needs to focus on stopping an enemy that's committed to radical Islamic terror.
"This is what it is. We are in a war with this extreme ideology. And we as a country need to come to terms with that. And I hope our elected officials who have been living in denial will no longer take that position to try to inspire us to unite and overcome what is now a serious threat amongst us here on American soil," Reed said.
Fellow Congressman, Brian Higgins says, people of good will should support common sense legislation that will help protect the American people. Higgins, a South Buffalo Democrat points out, that the shooter was characterized as unstable and on the FBI's radar.
"And, that somebody that could go in and just purchase an assault-style rifle of this nature, to purchase it legally, something is wrong with the system. So, background checks at a minimal. But clearly something needs to be done," Higgins said.
Congressman Reed said ISIS and extremists want to take Americans down regardless of their sexual orientation. And he says the sooner and stronger we unite as a country the safer we'll be.