VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach City Council deferred a controversial vote Tuesday to back a resolution some members hope can address gun violence following the May 31 shooting at the municipal center.
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It was a meeting that was tense at times, as two sides tried to convince Virginia Beach City Council to either back or not back a resolution to support an upcoming bill that would allow municipalities to either ban or not ban guns in government buildings.
This is a bill Del. Kelly Fowler from Virginia Beach plans to bring to Richmond on July 9. She spoke at the city council meeting Tuesday and said she doesn't believe this is a partisan issue.
Those who supported the resolution said they think it would've made the police's job harder if there were multiple people carrying guns, even good people.
"I've never seen so many guns come to into this city council. If it wasn't safe then, it's not safe now. Would've, could've should've—the fact is we have an issue," said a man who was in support of the resolution.
But, those who oppose said they believe the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun, is a good guy with a gun. And, maybe the Building 2 shooting could've turned out differently.
"Council's resolution implies that our citizens don't want government employees to defend ourselves. If council's resolution had been law on May 30th, it wouldn't have affected this tragedy, not by one single life," said a city employee who is against the resolution.
Councilwoman Sabrina Wooten and Councilman Guy Tower were co-sponsors of this resolution, so, both wanted a vote tonight in favor.
But, the rest of the council said they wanted more discussions before voting on this and other security measures.
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