Gun Control Supporters Call for Universal Background Checks at Courthouse Rally

More than a dozen local politicians, law enforcement officers and gun control supporters took to the steps of the Montgomery County Courthouse on Thursday afternoon to call for what they say is "commonsense" gun legislation requiring universal background checks for anyone wishing to purchase a firearm in any situation.

The rally was organized by Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) and a local group called Lower Merion United in conjunction with a "National Day to Demand Action" on behalf of gun control legislation.

"We believe that the way to prevent gun violence is for all of us to have the courage to reach out to one another," said Shawn Kraemer, one of the organizers of the group.

Other speakers included Montgomery County Commissioners' Chairman Josh Shapiro, Norristown's interim Chief of Police Willie Richet, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-148), and CeaseFirePA Executive Director Shira Goodman.

"I am not anti-gun," said Shapiro. "I am pro Second Amendment..., but common sense would dictate that as the law currently provides, people who cannot legally purchase a gun should not be able to purchase a gun, regardless of where they go to buy it."

Chief Richet echoed Shapiro's sentiments, noting that he believed law-abiding citizens should have a right to legally own a firearm. He had a very different message for those he might procure one illegally, however.

"If you come to Norristown, and you've got a gun illegally," he said, "you're going to be locked up. And you can bet that."

While gun control advocates made their case on the courthouse side of Swede Street, just as many gun rights advocates were stationed across the street in front of One Montgomery Plaza, carrying flags and signs and voicing their opposition to any efforts that would curtail gun ownership. 

"There's an attack on our gun rights," said Steve Piotrowski, one of the organizers of the counter-protest. "They're doing it piece by piece... universal background checks is not going to take the criminals off the streets."

See video of both sides' arguments on the issue in our media section.