Some areas see gun sales rise in tragedy’s wake

National reports show gun sales are surging in the wake of the Colorado tragedy, especially in parts of that state. But in Central Oregon, apparently, things are different.

Gun store owners NewsChannel 21 talked with Wednesday didn’t want to go on camera. But they told us they haven’t seen an increase in gun sales locally, and they don’t expect them to spike here.

But that doesn’t mean the shootings haven’t sparked a debate on gun control.

When President Obama visited Portland Tuesday afternoon, he was greeted by protesters carrying signs that read, “Ban assault weapons.”

“Just to show our solidarity and our support and our sympathy with the victims of the Aurora, Colorado shooting, and all the victims of gun violence,” said Penny Okamoto, executive director for CeaseFire Oregon. “And to remind people that we really do want an assault weapons ban.”

Okamoto was one of those protesting. Ceasefire Oregon works to change the gun laws in our state.

“We need to stop selling these machine guns that are basically built just to kill humans,” Okamoto said. “And we need to stop selling the large-capacity magazines that carry 30, 50, 100 rounds.”

Okamoto says the only use for assault weapons is to kill humans.

“That’s not what the people who wrote the Second Amendment had in mind,” Okamoto said. “Killing Americans like that that wasn’t the point.”

Oregon Firearms Federation Director Kevin Starrett says he knows there will be attempts to ban some firearms, locally and nationally.

“Whether they will be successful or not will depend on how much the American people cherish their liberties,” Starrett said.

Starrett says gun sales may go up, but it won’t have anything to do with the shooting massacre.

“I believe that we will continue to see an increase in sales, based on the political realities and the potential of a second Obama victory,” Starrett said. “But I doubt the crimes that took place in Colorado are going to have an effect on gun sales.”

We asked local gun owners and people on the street,whether they believe there will be an increase in gun sales.

“I don’t really think so,” Ryan Blake said. “I personally am not going to buy a gun. Maybe just a little more cautious, but I don’t think so.”

Starrett says there is a lesson in the tragedy.

“When you put up a sign that says ‘no guns’ and expect madmen to obey it, you’re obviously not rational,” he said.

A Rasmussen Reports poll released two days ago said the Colorado shootings didn’t sway opinions about stricter gun control laws.

However, an overwhelming majority doubts that public places like a movie theater can be made completely safe.

Do you believe government should take any steps in the wake of the shootings? Vote in our KTVZ.COM poll, on the right side of our home page.