Some politicians are already calling for stricter gun laws in the wake of last week鈥檚 , but several Colorado lawmakers say it鈥檚 still too soon to say what the policy impacts could be.
House minority leader (D-Denver) attended Sunday鈥檚 vigil for the victims and their families. In the face of tragedy, he says it鈥檚 natural to try and look for policy answers.
鈥淧eople are starting to ask the question how do we prevent this, what are the solutions if there are any,鈥� says Ferrandino. 鈥淎nd I think those conversations are starting.鈥�
The alleged gunman, 24-year-old , amassed more than prior to the shooting. He used an assault rifle, a shotgun, a handgun and pistol鈥攁ll of which were purchased legally over the last several months.
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Ferrandino says lawmakers definitely need to look at the policies surrounding everything that鈥檚 happened and expects those debates to happen during the next legislative session.
Congressman (D-Aurora) has been a long-time supporter of a federal assault weapons ban. But it鈥檚 not clear if local politicians would want to go that route.
鈥淓vil exists in the world and laws are probably not going to do much more than just mitigate it, and in many cases not even that,鈥� says State senator (R-Wray).
Some states, including Massachusetts and Illinois, have restrictions on ammunition sales over the Internet. But here, too, Brophy cautions his fellow state lawmakers against introducing such legislation in Colorado.
鈥淚 seriously doubt there is any way to really change the policy to make it impossible for something like this to happen,鈥� says Brophy.聽
For now, politicians say they are simply shocked, saddened and disgusted by the shooting and want to focus on helping the victims and community of Aurora recover.
