Durham Resident: Another Law Won't Stop Mentally Ill

Durham resident James Rossi testified before legislators during the Jan. 25 public hearing held by the School Security Working Group, which is reviewing current law and recommendations to enhance school security in the wake of the Newtown massacre.

Rossi provided the following testimony:

Good morning

I am writing this letter to ask that this committee focus on the cause of this horrible incident, not the means by which an evil man carried them out. Tens of thousands of modern sporting rifles are owned legally by residents in this state without incident.

The state is home to many businesses that produce this type of rifle and its components. The state of Connecticut was even a majority shareholder for a period of time in order to save the company. Is it right to throw thousands of people out of work when Colt, Stag Arms, Ruger and C Products relocate to a more business friendly state due to the actions of one deranged man? The actions of Adam Lanza prove that these types of laws don't work. How many Connecticut laws did he break in the course of that horrible day? Anyone mentally ill enough to kill school children will not be stopped by another law. 

Can we improve our already strict laws? Sure, an ID check when purchasing weapons seems a fine start. Combining a mental health data base with the State Police data base seems doable. I was present shortly after a little girl was killed in Middletown during the Main Street Sidewalk sale by a CVH patient with a hunting knife. He was on a day pass and murdered this little girl in front of her family. I saw the blood on the street and still think of it when I pass the location. One suggestion I have is to allow any teacher who has a Connecticut carry permit to choose to carry in a school. The state house and senate has armed guards protecting them, most of our schools have a "Gun Free Zone " sign for protection. 

James M. Rossi

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Durham Gun-Rights Supporter Testifies at Public Hearing