The day after the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, Virginians inundated state gun dealerships, with Virginia State Police recording a 42 percent increase in the number of gun-buy-background checks from the same day in 2011. This is a common phenomenon, says Virginia Citizens Defense League president Philip Van Cleave. When people suspect that lawmakers will begin seriously discussing gun control, enthusiasts begin stocking up.
Senator elect, Tim Kaine, addressed the issue of gun violence, saying that more efficient measures must be taken to prevent tragedies like the one in Newtown, and the Virginia Tech Massacre, which occurred while he was governor. Kaine advocated a comprehensive strategy that includes more stringent background checks, limitations on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, as well as closing the gun-show loop hole and, most importantly, addressing the mental health component that can lead to these massive shooting rampages.
