Controversial Gun Show Sees High Sales after Sandy Hook - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Controversial Gun Show Sees High Sales after Sandy Hook

Posted: Updated:

The Bayfront Convention Center hosted a gun show this weekend.

"I came because of the fear of what's gonna happen with gun control," said Mary Szymanowski of Erie.

Gun show promoter Robert Elliot of C&E Gun Shows said that's been driving up gun sales since the Sandy Hook school shooting.

"There's a lot of anti gun-legislation being introduced," he said, "gun laws are through the roof."

"We went from 1000 to 100 or so in two weeks," said Enoch Blackburn, who works for Ultra Firearms.

Holding the gun show weeks after the second deadliest school shooting in American history was controversial.

"There are some people out there that definitely think we shouldn't be doing this," said Elliot, "but we've been doing it for 40 years."

To buy a gun in Pennsylvania, you have to go through an extensive background check. Vendors said most guns used for crime are obtained illegally.

"The statistics show less than two percent of guns used in crimes come from gun shows," assured Elliot.

That's probably because of the thorough process you have to go through, to purchase a gun at a show like this.

Once you select the gun you want, you have to go through state and federal paperwork. The vendors run a background check, to make sure there are no felonies or other reasons that you can't own a gun. Even a DUI on your record will stop you from getting a firearm.  

People at the show felt that this, along with the gun laws in place, was sufficient control.

"It's not the gun, it's the person behind the gun," said Doug Beatty of Brookfield.

Speelberg agreed, saying "If they enforce the laws there isn't a problem... the laws are on the books, all they have to do is enforce them."

The gun show will continue Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Submit your event now
  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 11:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:39:54 GMT
    100,000 people are expected to crowd the streets of Erie this weekend, for the Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade.It's a huge event, which requires a lot of security.Erie police over the past several weeks
    100,000 people are expected to crowd the streets of Erie this weekend, for the Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade.It's a huge event, which requires a lot of security.Erie police over the past several weeks
  • Friday, May 17 2013 2:17 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:17:06 GMT
    All three races are on NBC!Kentucky DerbyPreakness (official site) Saturday May 18 at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MDBelmont (official site) June 9 5:00 - 7:00 PM Belmont Stakes NBC
    All three races are on NBC!Kentucky DerbyPreakness (official site) Saturday May 18 at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MDBelmont (official site) June 9 5:00 - 7:00 PM Belmont Stakes NBC
  • Friday, May 24 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:30:57 GMT
    In less than two days, 50 floats will fill the streets of downtown Erie, for the much anticipate Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade. But it's taken months of planning and prepping to get these floats parade
    In just a matter of hours, 50 floats will fill the streets of downtown Erie, for the much anticipate Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade. But it's taken months of planning and prepping to get these floats parade
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:54 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:54:48 GMT
    Tens of thousands of people will line the streets this Saturday, for what's expected to be one of the biggest parades ever, in Erie. Wednesday night, coordinators held a held an organizational meeting
    Tens of thousands of people will line the streets this Saturday, for what's expected to be one of the biggest parades ever, in Erie. Wednesday night, coordinators held a held an organizational meeting
  • Friday, May 24 2013 3:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 19:48:50 GMT
    A lot of businesses in downtown Erie can't wait for Saturday's Perry 200 parade. Tens of thousands of people are expected to line the parade route. The Avalon Hotel is totally sold out, with parade goers
    Parade Expected to Boost Erie Tourist Economy
  • Friday, May 24 2013 3:24 PM EDT2013-05-24 19:24:16 GMT
    The Memorial Day Parade will start at 10:00 AM. The parade is estimated to end at 12:00 PM.   The route will start at Summit & Monroe.  It will proceed north on Summit Street to Jackson Boulevard west on
    The Memorial Day Parade will start at 10:00 AM. The parade is estimated to end at 12:00 PM. The route will start at Summit & Monroe.  It will proceed north on Summit Street to Jackson Boulevard west on Jackson Boulevard to finish at the Civic Center Mall.
  • Get help on the player and answers to frequently asked questions.
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 10:34 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:34:21 GMT
    On any given day, it doesn't take long to spot an Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority bus on State Street.But in a couple of weeks, it will be a rare sight.Starting June 8, passengers will have to catch
    On any given day, it doesn't take long to spot an Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority bus on State Street.But in a couple of weeks, it will be a rare sight.Starting June 8, passengers will have to catch
Powered by WorldNow
3514 State St. Erie, PA 16508
Newsroom: (814)454-8812
Toll Free: 1(800)454-8812
Business offices: (814)454-5201
WICU FCC Filing
WSEE FCC Filing
Share:
Share Stories
Submit your stories to our site!
Share Photos
Share your photos in our community galleries
Mobile:
Mobile Site
Be sure to stay constantly updated with the power of WICU12 and WSEE at your fingertips
Free Android App
Free iPhone App
Free iPad App
Storm Tracker App
Droid
iPhone
iPad
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WICU. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
                   WICU/WSEE - 3514 State Street Erie, PA 16508 - (814) 454-5201 - info@wicu12.com