The President's new push to combat gun violence has some Valley gun owners up in arms. Wednesday's proposal has stirred up a lot of mixed feelings.
President Obama's proposed plan to fight gun violence, has some people in the Valley on edge. Just hours after the announcement came, people rushed to gun stores to stock up.
"I'm being forced by the government to get them now, before they start putting a ban on all of these things."
Dimitrij Chern says,"Because of this, I went and bought a gun."
Perhaps the most controversial part of the proposal, is a renewed ban on assault weapons. One Valley gun owner says this won't do any good.
"Putting any kind of ban on guns against the good people is only hurting us and making it harder for us to protect ourselves against the bad guys. The bad guys are always going to have guns and you're never going to get all of the guns off the street."
Even Sheriff Margaret Mims is skeptical.
"Any new gun laws are not going to affect people who decide to committ crimes. They are not going to pay any attention to any legislation."
That's where a push to keep guns out of the wrong hands, comes in. The President is asking for universal background checks on all gun purchases, including gun show sales. That law already exists in California. People on both sides agree it's wise to require it nationwide.
Fresno gun store owner Barry Bauer says, "None of us want people that are society feels are unstable or have proven themselves to be unreliable people to have firearms. They're a menace to our society and it's appropriate to manage those people."
For mom's like Lakeisha Coleman, this is about saving lives. She's glad to see the President is stepping up.
"Because I know my daughter will be safe when I do start taking her to school. It's crazy how people how people can just go onto campus and start shooting,so that's a good thing for me."
Rusty Roberts lost his daughter Sarah one year ago in a shooting. He is weary of the President's plan, saying there are no policies that will ever stop gun violence completely.
Most people did agree that the President's push for improved school safety and mental health services, is a good thing.
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