MANKATO, Minn. -
Both sides of the gun debate are responding to the future of gun control in the wake of the school shooting in Connecticut. President Obama is calling for fast action to reduce gun violence.
President Obama says, "The fact that this problem is complex can no longer be an excuse for doing nothing. The fact that we can't prevent every act of violence doesn't mean we can't steadily reduce the violence."
Today the president announcing a new team, led by Vice President Joe Biden, tasked with delivering specific proposals to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and prevent tragedies like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Obama says, "proposals that I intend to push without delay."
In addition to promise of change, the school shooting has driven a boost in firearm sales.
From Oklahoma to Vermont, customers have been rushing to purchase guns and ammunition.
Jim Dattilio from Dattilio's Guns & Tackle says, "People are fearful they will not be able to get one down the road"
In New Hampshire, just the day after the shooting, one owner says guns where already flying off the shelves.
Brad Lewis from Lewis Arms, "Saturday it was crazy, we did a week's worth of business in one day"
Things seem to be a little less dramatic locally, when KEYC called area gun shops most said they haven't seen much change, but one owner did tell us that since the shooting, he has been getting so many emails, phone calls, and people stopping by that he didn't even have time for an interview.
Pro–gun members of Congress and the President agree that stricter gun laws alone are not the answer.
The president says there's also a need to examine access to mental health care, and violence in our culture.
The National Rifle Association broke its silence on the Newtown shooting – and Friday plans to offer its ideas on how to make sure mass killings never happen again.
More people in the Twin Cities are also applying for gun permits in the aftermath of the school shooting.
Anoka County had 36 applications Monday and another 32 on Tuesday, both of which set a one–day record. Locally, county officials say they haven't seen a substantial change.
