Western New York Congressman Brian Higgins says in the wake of the school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, it's not all about gun control. WBFO'S Eileen Buckley talked to Higgins before he headed back to Washington Monday.
"It's a tragedy. It's a tragedy that the whole nation grives," said Congressman Higgins.
Congressman Higgins responded to questions about horrific shootings before he boarded a flight out of the Buffalo Niagara Airport Monday. Higgins says this tragedy requires self-examination.
"It's not all about gun control. There's issues of mental illness here," said Higgins. "I don't think we should react too quickly to this. I think what the nation needs is a mature, thoughtful, multifaceted response."
WBFO News asked Higgins if he will support President Obama who is calling for meaningful action when it comes to gun control.
"And my hope is this response will be very different from any other gun violent events that have occurred in our history," Higgins noted.
WBFO News also asked the Congressman if he is concerned about the National Rifle Associations power in a gun control debate.
"Well I'm not concerned about them. Like anyone else they have a point of view," said Higgins. "But when you are talking about assault rifles there's not technology that advances more quickly in our society then the technology of killing. These are domestic weapons of mass destruction."
Higgins said Congress needs to be more "responsive" and timely in dealing with the tragic shootings.