Story from NEWS 9
It’s one of the hottest debates our country has seen in years. Aggressive new gun control measures have sparked outrage from some law abiding gun owners. They’ve responded in mass numbers.
Our state is seeing a record amount of people wanting a gun license. In January 2013 alone, OSBI received almost 5,000 initial applications. That’s about two and a half times as many as January 2012.
Are fears the federal government could take our guns away breeding life into a militia movement?
“I’m scared, like everybody,” Gun owner Craig Huxman said. “Just because of the talk of putting any kind of ban on guns.”
Huxman has been shooting guns since he was 7 years old.
“I love shooting targets. I love shooting every kind of gun,” Huxman said. “If it makes a bang, I like shooting it at things.”
Now he teaches his grandkids gun safety.
“Gun responsibility is very important,” Huxman said. “That doesn’t mean gun control. That means owner control.”
Gun enthusiasts are coming out in droves. Stores can’t keep weapons or ammo on the shelves. Some people fear a collection of guns in a home is a sign there’s a revolt coming against the government. But Tecumseh Assistant Police Chief J.R. Kidney said he’s not worried.
“It’s something we do keep in the back of our mind,” Kidney said. “I don’t think people are running out trying to get these because they want to start a war. I think they’re out there getting them so they can exercise that right through the second amendment, so they can keep their arms and bear their arms.”
Rose State College History Professor Dr. Aaron Bachhofer says revolutions typically begin where there’s either an economic or philosophical disagreement between the public and our government. While he believes our country will see changes to gun laws, he doesn’t anticipate a revolt.
“Have I gained the perception people are talking about picking up their guns and literally shooting at folks? No, I don’t see that happening,” Bachhofer said.
Bachhofer said history proves revolutions usually don’t work.
“The idea that people would pick up arms and challenge the government is not a winning proposition historically,” Bachhofer said.
For Huxman, he just wants the freedom to protect his family.
“Would I ever shoot anybody? I hope I never, ever, ever have to be able to answer that question,” Huxman said. “I would like to know that I have the right to protect myself if I can.”
