HAGERSTOWN, MD- From an emotional plea from the father of one of the victims from Sandy Hook Elementary, to a heated disagreement between politicians. The issue of banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines took top lawmakers by storm.
Senator Dianne Feinstein is leading the efforts. She says the Sandy Hook Elementary, Aurora and Virginia Tech tragedies all have something in common.
According to Senator Feinstein the shooters all used military-style assault weapons with a large ammunition capacity.
However, one top ranking Republican challenged the need for the assault weapons ban.
Some local residents say they don't necessarily believe more legislation would lower violence in the country.
"There's a false claim that assault weapons are the choice of mass murderers," says Lance Hendershots, owner of Hendershots Sporting Goods. "But rifles kill fewer people in America each year than hammers do, so an assault rifle that terminology does not apply to the weapon of choice of criminals."
The vote on the proposed gun legislation could be sent to the senate floor as early as Thursday.
