Robertsdale citizens weigh in on gun control issue

ROBERTSDALE, Ala. (WALA) - There is no shortage of views on the issue, and opinions on the gun control debate can be heard close to home.

We found folks on either side of the debate, having lunch on Wednesday at Mama Lou's in Robertsdale.

President signs reforms

With a swipe of his pen President Barack Obama used executive powers to set into motion the first wave of gun reforms focusing on background checks and a focus on mental health.

To get further with an assault weapons or a high-capacity magazine ban he'll need the support of Congress and the people they represent.

People like the ones having their lunch at Mama Lou's in Robertsdale on Wednesday.

"Assault rifles do not kill people. It's the people that are killing people. You can outlaw any gun out there and it's not going to make any difference," James Taylor said.

Rich Hoffer told us, "I've been a gun owner all my life. I hunt all the time. I'm totally for the controls that have been recommended, especially on assault weapons. I see no reason why anyone needs an assault weapon for any reason whatsoever except for their ego to go out and shoot on the range and think they're someone they're not."

Bobby Hanchey said, "United States of America, 2nd Amendment. He's not going to be able to get rid of that, he doesn't have enough power."

Eddie Hadley told us, "Look how many kids lost their lives. You can't take that back. I think he's right. He should ban them. Get rid of them."

Agreement on mental care

From both sides of the debate most could agree that mental health needs to be tackled moving forward.

Sue Cooper said, "I don't think they're getting the care they need to have. They're getting them on medication and letting them loose and that's just not enough anymore."