Delaware County group marches for federal ban on military style assault weapons
Springfield, Pa. (WTXF) - A Delaware County group marched for a federal ban on military style assault weapons Monday night.
"I was in favor of gun violence prevention before that but I wasn't committed to it. I've been committed to it ever since," said Bryan Miller as he stood before dozens of people rallying against access to military assault weapons.
He told a personal story of a man who walked into Washington D.C. Police Headquarters 20 years ago and opened fire.
"He pulled out his mac, opened fire and killed my brother with the first bullet. He continued firing and ended up killing a second FBI agent and a highly regarded D.C. Police Sergeant," said Miller. His brother Michael John Miller was a 37-year-old FBI agent.
Bryan Miller was among the group that marched from Springfield Friends Meeting House to Congressman Pat Meehan's office on Sproul Road.
"We are heartbroken by what happened in Las Vegas but also determined that we can make a change," said Terri Rumsey. He's the Co-chair of Delaware County United for Sensible Gun Policy. They taped a call to action on the front door of the office building.
"So that these weapons of war cannot be sold on the civilian market and get into the hands of damaged people like the man who caused such unbelievable and staggering loss of life and injury in Las Vegas," said Rumsey.
Mary and Lance Donaldson-Evans were still shaken by the shootings in Vegas.
"Not again. Not again. We are becoming so immune to mass murder in this country. It's uncivilized," said Mary.
They say something must be done to reign in gun violence.
"We're not against second amendment rights but we feel that there has to be some limits on things like assault weapons and these things that are used constantly for mass murders," said Lance.
John Elizandro the spokesman for Congressman Meehan sent over this statement in response to the rally:
"The act of domestic terror last night in Las Vegas is tragic and sickening. As the investigation continues, Congressman Meehan will be focusing on what further steps can be taken to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them and prevent a violent massacre like this from happening again."