Some at the meeting called for increased controls on guns, but others said taking them away from law-abiding citizens was not the answer.

“I’m horrified at what has happened in Newtown,” said Rev. Joseph Pace. “I certainly support a ban on assault weapons and also much more attention, funds and support given to those who are mentally ill.”…

Others disagreed. “If you want to prevent crime, get the criminals off the street and keep them off the street,” said Ed Peruta.

“The root cause of why [Adam Lanza] did this, had nothing to do with assault rifles. He would have found another way to do this,” said another man.