Nearly 200 turn out to support 2nd Amendment rights
NORWICH – An estimated 175 gun enthusiasts gathered in East Park Saturday in support of their constitutional rights and the Second Amendment, protesting recent changes to New York State’s gun legislation that followed the Newtown, Conn. Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that occurred in December.
Assemblyman Clifford Crouch was on hand for the pro-gun rally, which also featured speakers Dave Francis, owner of Heading Due North; Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano; and Norwich Tea Party Patriots’ Gilda Ward, among others.
Prior to Saturday’s event, organizers John and Jen Ballard said the controversial New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013 (SAFE) – which strengthens the state’s existing assault weapons ban, limits the number of bullets allowed in a magazine, and fortifies rules that govern the mentally ill, including a requirement to report potentially harmful behavior – goes too far, and average citizens “feel like criminals now” and dislike the notion of “the government stepping in and taking their guns.”
“We felt that it was a good turnout and I had a chance to speak with Assemblyman Crouch,” said John Ballard, who added Crouch was impressed with the Ballard’s message and willingness to fight for their rights. “All of the speakers did a great job and I think we got our message out. I know it wasn’t a huge crowd, but I think we’re reaching a lot of people. Our goal was accomplished and we did what we came to do, which was to show our support for our Second Amendment rights.”
Assemblyman Clifford Crouch was on hand for the pro-gun rally, which also featured speakers Dave Francis, owner of Heading Due North; Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano; and Norwich Tea Party Patriots’ Gilda Ward, among others.
Prior to Saturday’s event, organizers John and Jen Ballard said the controversial New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013 (SAFE) – which strengthens the state’s existing assault weapons ban, limits the number of bullets allowed in a magazine, and fortifies rules that govern the mentally ill, including a requirement to report potentially harmful behavior – goes too far, and average citizens “feel like criminals now” and dislike the notion of “the government stepping in and taking their guns.”
“We felt that it was a good turnout and I had a chance to speak with Assemblyman Crouch,” said John Ballard, who added Crouch was impressed with the Ballard’s message and willingness to fight for their rights. “All of the speakers did a great job and I think we got our message out. I know it wasn’t a huge crowd, but I think we’re reaching a lot of people. Our goal was accomplished and we did what we came to do, which was to show our support for our Second Amendment rights.”
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