Gun rights supporters held a rally at the state Capitol on Friday to protest calls out of Washington for new gun restrictions.
About 250 supporters – many carrying pistols and rifles -- were out along Washington Street to show that the majority of gun owners are law abiding citizens.
"The purpose is just to show that legal gun owners are not the problem in this country, and to allow people to legally own guns is not going to hurt anything," said Michelle McDonald, a rally participant.
Most of the talk among those attending the rally was the recent debate for federal restrictions on certain firearms.
Earlier this week, President Barack Obama made his case for stronger gun laws, including a ban on new assault weapons, limits on high-capacity gun clips and an expansion of criminal background checks to cover more gun sales.
"The vast majority of Americans, including a majority of gun owners, support requiring criminal background checks for anyone trying to buy a gun," President Obama said.
But gun rights activists say more extensive background checks would be intrusive and do little to stop criminals from obtaining guns.
While most of the talk at the rally focused on potential federal gun restrictions, some state Capitol lawmakers have called for an expansion of gun rights. GOP leaders have been reluctant so far to wade into the gun debate.
A smaller counter-protest was staged across the street by gun restriction supporters.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:14 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:14:44 GMT
A judge has sentenced Michael Parson to the maximum of 35 years in jail for the attempted murder of his wife. On Thursday, Parson was convicted of shooting his wife, Adina, eight times in 2012.
A judge has sentenced Michael Parson to the maximum of 35 years in jail for the attempted murder of his wife. On Thursday, Parson was convicted of shooting his wife, Adina, eight times outside their Sandy Springs apartment in 2011.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:52:10 GMT
The jury has found Michael Parson guilty on all eight counts in the shooting of his wife outside their Sandy Springs apartment.The woman, Adina Parson, survived after being shot eight times.
The jury has found Michael Parson guilty on all eight counts in the shooting of his wife outside their Sandy Springs apartment.The woman, Adina Parson, survived after being shot eight times.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:40 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:40:32 GMT
Families of city workers are back at Atlanta City Hall this morning for a second day of protests. They're demanding bigger pay raises for police, firefighters and other first responders.
Families of city workers are back at Atlanta City Hall this morning for a second day of protests. They're demanding bigger pay raises for police, firefighters and other first responders.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:23 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:23:38 GMT
A Newton County teenager and his mom received the gift of mobility on Thursday, thanks to some Good Samaritans.
A Newton County teenager and his mom received the gift of mobility on Thursday, thanks to some Good Samaritans. Tyler Head was injured in a high school wrestling tournament in December, and getting back and forth to therapy is a vital to his recovery.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:44:36 GMT
The fox responsible for biting two Newton County elementary school students while they played on their school's playground remains on the loose.
The fox that bit two Newton County elementary school students while they played on the playground is still on the loose. Animal control authorities tell FOX 5 someone from Rocky Plains Elementary School reported a fox sighting on campus one day before the boys were attacked.
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