One of the guns for sale at a shop we visited in Livonia. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -
They're powerful and lethal, sometimes used to prevent crimes, sometimes used to claim innocent lives. Guns, rifles and assault rifles are readily available. A gun shop in Livonia sells the same semiautomatic weapons legally purchased by Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes.
"Historically it's been proven that, in fact, people that are of the criminal mind will find a way to acquire firearms," said range instructor and former Northville Township Police Lieutenant John Sherman.
He believes banning assault weapons or tightening restrictions will not prevent mass shootings like the one in Aurora.
"I really don't think that a ban on firearms is going to stop this type of horrible activity."
Legal and illegal guns are easy to get. Online sales often help people get around background checks. In Michigan, no permit or license is required to purchase rifles or shotguns, and they don't have to be registered.
A sign right outside the Livonia gun shop we visited reads "we save lives," but there's another side to this debate and another group that wholeheartedly disagrees.
"America seems to be addicted to violence. We must restrict its access to assault weapons," said Rev. D. Alexander Bullock with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
A group, including members of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition held a prayer vigil Sunday outside the AMC Star Theater in Southfield. They're headed to Washington to push for a ban and tougher restrictions. They say America's future depends on it.
"When do we say we must change our world and shape it so that no other children are worried about being killed in movie theaters?" Bullock said.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:22 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:22:48 GMT
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
Monday, May 13 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:19:48 GMT
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
Saturday, May 11 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-12 01:28:26 GMT
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:19 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:19:58 GMT
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:43 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:43:34 GMT
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:48 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:48:59 GMT
A Molotov cocktail was thrown through a kitchen window of a waterfront mansion on Whittier Street in Grosse Pointe Park around 3:20 a.m. Friday. Fortunately, someone inside put it out.
A Molotov cocktail was thrown through a kitchen window of a waterfront mansion on Whittier Street in Grosse Pointe Park around 3:20 a.m. Friday. Fortunately, someone inside put it out.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:25 GMT
Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan urged Detroit's pastors and majority black population Friday to join him in an effort to buy neglected properties and take other steps to help revitalize the struggling city.
Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan urged Detroit's pastors and majority black population Friday to join him in an effort to buy neglected properties and take other steps to help revitalize the struggling city where the movement started more than 80 years ago.
One of the guns for sale at a shop we visited in Livonia. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
