News / Human Rights

US lawmakers urged to stop orders from gun lobby

Tuesday, 19 May 2015 5:31 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 19 May 2015 5:31 AM ]

The Twin Peaks Restaurant in Waco is the site of the shootout.

American lawmakers have been urged to stop taking orders from the gun lobby and control criminals with guns following the horrific fatal shooting between biker gangs in Texas.

The incident left at least nine people dead and 18 others injured in Waco on Sunday. Police said at least 170 were arrested and charged.

Gun safety advocates believe the Texas shooting should be a "wake up call" for lawmakers.

Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Shannon Watts in a tweet on Monday called for stronger gun laws.

"Dear #Texas lawmakers: more guns in more places with fewer safeguards not winning strategy for public safety #txlege #WacoShooting #GunSense,” she said.

"#WacoShooting should be wake up call for #txlege: stop taking orders from gun lobby; listen to police and constituents @MomsDemand #GunSense,” she added.

Gun control groups say these incidents could be prevented if guns had been kept out of the hands of criminals.

Angela Turner, spokeswoman for the Texas branch of Moms Demand Action, called for expanded background checks.

“There is no single solution to ending gun violence, but we do know that background checks on all gun sales save lives and keep guns out of the wrong hands,” Turner said.

"Perhaps Sunday’s violence will serve as the necessary wake-up call to our legislators that they should stop taking marching orders from the gun lobby,” she added.

Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton called the Sunday’s shootout "the most violent and gruesome scene that I have dealt with" in three and a half decades of law enforcement.

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