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Most Virginians say stricter laws on gun sales won’t stop mass shootings

Posted at 12:01 PM, Aug 08, 2012
and last updated 2012-08-08 12:59:33-04

Richmond, Va.  (WTVR)  - A poll out today from Quinnipiac University is taking aim at gun control.  The results find stricter laws on the sale of guns would not be an effective way to prevent a mass shooting in the Commonwealth, according to those surveyed.

The poll asked nearly 1,500 voters in each of the states of Virginia, Colorado and Wisconsin questions related to gun laws and gun control.  Colorado and Wisconsin had mass shootings this year, and Virginia had the Virginia Tech mass shooting in 2007. 

One question asked Virginia voters if they personally believe stricter laws covering the sale of guns would be an effective way to prevent violent acts like mass shootings.

60 % said no.  37% percent said yes.

Another hot-button topic in gun control is the sale of high-capacity magazines for weapons.

52% of people in Virginia would support a ban on those clips.  42% would be against a ban.

Virginia repealed the one-handgun a month law July 1st, and according to the Virginia Firearms Transaction Center, gun sales have jumped by 29 % in the state from July 2011.

We talked with Lori Haas, whose daughter Emily was injured in the Virginia Tech shootings.  She says Virginia lawmakers are making it easier for the wrong people to acquire guns of all kinds.

“I’m more disgusted with our leadership and our elected officials and their moral corruption”, Haas said.  “They have capitulated to a special and very narrow special-interest group all for the sakes of votes and money.  And I think they have blood on their hands.”

We also contacted the Virginia Citizens Defense League, a gun-rights organization, for their comment on the poll.  President Phillip Van Cleave says "The poll confirms that most people believe that gun control does not stop evil people from doing evil things and that most people do not want stricter gun control."

You can read more about the Quinnipiac University poll by clicking here.