Oregon gun-control Measure 114 is still on hold two years later as court fights continue; Safeway shooting survivor speaks

(Update: Adding video, comments from Safeway survivor, firearms instructor)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --  As Central Oregonians focus on next week's election, a controversial ballot measure approved two years ago, is still in legal limbo. It's now been two years since voters approved Measure 114, and the measure remains a hot-button issue - and a legal one as well, as the court battles continue.

The voter-approved measure would require permits and a gun safety course and ban high-capacity magazines that can hold more than ten rounds. 

  A survivor of the East Bend Safeway shooting is in support of the measure. That night, three people died, including the shooter.

For Craig Van Bruggen, August 28, 2022 is forever imprinted in his mind.

"My personal experience, seeing firsthand, being hunted in a public setting by an AR style assault rifle in the hands of a bad actor, I know first-hand that gun laws in this country are not - gun laws in this state are not sufficient to ward off potential incidents like this happening in the future."

Van Bruggen says he believes Measure 114 will reduce the number of shootings. 

"It's not about being anti-gun or taking away guns from responsible owners," he said. "It's about saving lives and making our community safer."

Meanwhile, firearms instructor Derek LeBlanc says he thinks the measure is very flawed.

"I empathize with all loss of life. We have to all come together," LeBlanc said. "That means that we have to bring our experience as gun owners, as instructors, as enthusiasts to the table instead of, you know, being dictated by those that have no idea what it what it's like to have a gun."

LeBlanc says he doesn't think Measure 114 will bring down gun violence, and instead punishes responsible gun owners.

"Over half of Oregonians own guns, and so having them jump through the hoops to, you know, get the permit to purchase does not move the needle," he said, "because you have people that have illegal guns that don't care about the laws that are committing these gun crimes."

 he court gave no indication on how soon it would rule, so the fate of Measure 114 remains on hold.