WATERBURY, Vt. -
The second amendment gives most Americans the right to bear arms, but is it outdated or still fitting in today's world? In light of the deadly shootings in Colorado, we wanted to take a closer look at Vermont's gun control laws.
As far as guns in Vermont go, the laws are extremely liberal. If you don't have the intent to injure someone, it's pretty easy to get guns here because there's not a lot of gun violence in the state. Many people we spoke with say tougher laws aren't likely even after the tragedy in Colorado.
Vermont has some of the least strict gun laws in the nation, "There are no permitting laws in Vermont, none whatsoever," said Colonel David LeCours, Director of Law Enforcement for the Fish and Wildlife Division.
And even with that freedom there is very little gun violence in Vermont; that's why gun enthusiasts say the laws in place work. The gun control law in Vermont primarily pertains to hunting, for example, there is a magazine capacity. "You can't have a loaded firearm, shotgun or rifle in a motor vehicle while on a public highway, you also can't shoot from a motor vehicle," Colonel LeCours added.
Then there are other parts of the law that are mandated and enforced by the federal government. "The FBI will run you through a whole series of computers to look for just about everything," Parro's Gun Shop Owner, Henry Parro said.
It asks questions about drug use, felony charges, age and mental health history before you can buy a gun, but if you pass the test, you could walk into a gun shop and walk out with one. "It takes approximately five minutes," Parro said about the FBI's background checking process.
So while some people are looking for personal protection, most of the time, the barrel of a gun is pointed at a deer, and that's why there's not a lot of push to change gun laws. "This is less about gun laws and more about mental health and violence in our society," Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin said.
We always like to get feedback from our viewers, so we asked our friends on Facebook if the shooting in Colorado could have been avoided with tougher gun laws?
Kelly Croft said "American's need to have the right to bare arms, and to carry. If someone saw this man walk in with a gun, then they would have had return fire and so many would have been spaired. (sic)"
Jonathan Ryba wrote, "Gun laws don't hinder criminals from breaking the law. The firearms used in Colorado were purchased legally."
And Jennifer Braun says, "Blaming guns and not the person would be ridiculous."
Head to https://www.facebook.com/FOX44LocalNews to share what you think.
