One of the guns for sale at a shop we visited in Livonia. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -
They're powerful and lethal, sometimes used to prevent crimes, sometimes used to claim innocent lives. Guns, rifles and assault rifles are readily available. A gun shop in Livonia sells the same semiautomatic weapons legally purchased by Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes.
"Historically it's been proven that, in fact, people that are of the criminal mind will find a way to acquire firearms," said range instructor and former Northville Township Police Lieutenant John Sherman.
He believes banning assault weapons or tightening restrictions will not prevent mass shootings like the one in Aurora.
"I really don't think that a ban on firearms is going to stop this type of horrible activity."
Legal and illegal guns are easy to get. Online sales often help people get around background checks. In Michigan, no permit or license is required to purchase rifles or shotguns, and they don't have to be registered.
A sign right outside the Livonia gun shop we visited reads "we save lives," but there's another side to this debate and another group that wholeheartedly disagrees.
"America seems to be addicted to violence. We must restrict its access to assault weapons," said Rev. D. Alexander Bullock with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
A group, including members of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition held a prayer vigil Sunday outside the AMC Star Theater in Southfield. They're headed to Washington to push for a ban and tougher restrictions. They say America's future depends on it.
"When do we say we must change our world and shape it so that no other children are worried about being killed in movie theaters?" Bullock said.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:22 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:22:48 GMT
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
Monday, May 13 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:19:48 GMT
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
Saturday, May 11 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-12 01:28:26 GMT
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:06 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:06:04 GMT
An amber alert has been issued for Alonna Anderson, a three-year-old girl missing from Detroit. She was allegedly taken by her non-custodial father, Stacey Anderson.
An amber alert has been issued for Alonna Anderson, a three-year-old girl missing from Detroit. She was allegedly taken by her non-custodial father, Stacey Anderson.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:10 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:10:15 GMT
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74-year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74-year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:52:35 GMT
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Let It Rip Weekend: Doggy Insurance, Pit Bull Bans & $15 Minimum Wage
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:33 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:33:58 GMT
This time we're talking about a new requirement in Royal Oak that has some dog owners taking out $1 million insurance policies on their pooches. Plus, Waterford Township is considering repealing their
Should owners of dangerous dogs have to take out $1 million insurance policies? Are pit bull bans a good idea? Plus, should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?
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One of the guns for sale at a shop we visited in Livonia. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
