A crowd estimated at close to 1,000 people rallied at the State Capitol in Hartford, CT, on May 6 to express opposition to late session gun control legislation.

The giant, orderly rally sponsored by GunSAFE and other state gunowner and sportsmen’s organizations lasted for about two hours. Among the featured speakers were several state lawmakers who urged the audience to contact their individual senators and representatives to express opposition. The main message of citizens at the rally was that civilian gun ownership saves lives and prevents crime.

The two proposals that are being considered are sponsored by state Sen. George Jepsen (D-Stamford) and state Rep. Michael P. Lawlor (D-East Haven). One bill would expand the state’s eight-year-old ban on so-called assault weapons by broadening the list of prohibited features and outlawing specific types of ammunition. The other bill would force people under restraining orders to surrender their firearms.