Proposed gun control plan creates fiery dispute

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett strongly supports President Obama's gun control proposal. He calls it a "watershed moment" in American politics. But some gun advocates say this is nothing but an assault on the 2nd Amendment.

Barrett spoke with the media on Wednesday, January 16th and says the time to do something about gun violence in this country is now. He supports the president's proposals -- specifically those banning assault weapons and calling for universal background checks.

Barrett argued that a background check would have prevented the Azana Salon shooter, Radcliffe Haughton, from getting a gun, since he had a restraining order against him.

"That's the gaping loophole we're talking about. That individual could go to Armslist.com, avoid going into a gun store and get a gun used to kill people in our own community," said Barrett.

But gun advocate Jim Fendry argues universal background checks would have far-reaching consequences on hunters who have to use the bathroom.

"One of them would have to make a call of nature and say to his partner, 'hold my rifle while I make a call of nature,' others would say, 'I can't do that,'" said Fendry.

Fendry represents the Wisconsin Pro-Gun Movement which is associated with the NRA. Though he says there are a few of the president's executive orders he would support -- like more police officers on the streets and more enforcement laws we already have, Fendry argues this issue is about freedom and protecting the 2nd Amendment."

"Our individual rights, while not extending to fighter planes, nuclear weapons or bazookas, the situation is we should be the equivalent of the night infantrymen of the day," said Fendry.