Local officials react to new gun laws - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

The issue over gun control is far from cut and dry and has created a heated debate.

Jake Schira owns Gunsmith Jake's in Rothschild. Everyday, Schira says he sees dozens of people in and out of his shop, all of them with guns.

"There are millions of good gun owners out there that haven't hurt anybody, that won't hurt anybody and don't want to hurt anybody, all they want is to feel protected."

As a gun owner himself, he says the new laws are in violation of his second amendment rights.

"This is only taking guns away from the law abiding citizens, and it will only empower criminals," Schira said.

At the Wausau Police Department, the conversation continues. While officers say controlling gun violence is a prominent issue, they say these new laws seem to be reinstating old ones that didn't work.

"A large percentage of people that commit crimes, specifically gun crimes have already violated other gun laws so whether these new laws would actually prevent future gun violence is uncertain," Chief Deputy Bryan Hilts said.

In two weeks, the senate judiciary committee will start to consider gun legislation.