Gabby Giffords Pushes for Connecticut Gun Control Bill

Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords visited Connecticut on Tuesday to push for new gun control legislation designed to help domestic violence victims.

The bill, which Gov. Dannel Malloy proposed during his re-election campaign, would require anyone subject to a restraining or protective order to surrender their guns and ammunition within 24 hours of being notified of the order.

“Dangerous people with guns are a threat to women,” Giffords said. She spoke for seconds and received a long standing ovation.

"Gabby and her husband have found a way to turn a personal tragedy into a powerful tool," Malloy said before introducing Giffords, who he has known for more than a decade.

Critics of the proposal said it's duplicative and falls short of an existing law that's been on the books for 15 years.

“The most troubling aspect of the legislative proposal by the Governor is the complete elimination of ‘due process’ for individuals that have a temporary restraining order filed against them. Legally owned firearms would be confiscated with no hearing until a date after the guns are seized," Connecticut Citizens Defense League said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Malloy defended his proposal, saying that it will soon be unacceptable in Connecticut, as in several other states, to take action and remove guns when someone is able to come forward, admit to being victimized and ask for help.

Republican state Rep. Arthur O'Neill said the existing law allows police to seize guns immediately if they have a judge's warrant.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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