Rally to End Gun Violence in Support of the Safe Act held in Rochester

Posted at: 03/20/2013 1:25 PM
Updated at: 03/20/2013 8:07 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion

Emotional outbursts on the steps of City Hall Wednesday. Gun supporters stormed a rally held by Rochester city leaders Wednesday.

The issue is impacting people all across our area and sparked some tense moments Wednesday afternoon. Both supporters of the new gun law and gun owners battled for their voices to be heard. City officials say they wanted to show support for Governor Cuomo's decision.

The new law calls for stricter restrictions on the sale of assault weapons, limits the number of bullets and requires mental health professionals to report anyone they believe may be a harm to themselves or others. Some wanted to know how will the SAFE Act will cut down on gun violence in the city. Mayor Richards admits the SAFE Act isn't perfect.

Supporters of the SAFE Act came to City Hall with a powerful message. But they were met with men and women on a mission.  Right on the steps of City Hall, voices clashed over a topic causing controversy all over the nation. Members of the community and parents who have lost loved ones to violence joined city leaders to let Rochester know they stand with Governor Cuomo and the SAFE Act. Gun owners weren't necessarily invited to this rally, but they came anyway.

It's a battle that is sure to continue for quite some time. But what do city leaders hope the safe act will change here?

News10NBC's Joangel Concepcion said, “You're here to say you support the SAFE Act. How do you think that will curb the violence in Rochester?”

Mayor Tom Richards said, “I think one of the problems with this whole discussion is that controlling the way we have access to certain guns doesn't have to have a perfect solution. It doesn't have to stop gun violence, it won't. There will be gun violence from other sources but I do think we can have an impact on it. My hope is that it will decrease people's access to guns and decrease people's access to guns that can maximize the damage.”

News10NBC asked Mayor Richards what’s going to stop people from going over to Pennsylvania or Massachusetts to purchase guns and ammunition?  He says he believes the SAFE Act should be a national solution and that New York State will serve as a starting point. He says the SAFE Act may not solve all of the problems, but he says officials have to start somewhere.

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