VALLEJO (KCBS) – An overflow crowd at Vallejo City Hall Wednesday night debated the future of gun rights in America at a town hall style meeting called by the North Bay Congressman leading the House effort on gun control legislation.

Rep. Mike Thompson said he would present ideas from this forum and others planned around the Bay Area when the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force formed after the Newton, Connecticut shootings convenes in Washington DC.

“Just since that tragedy in Connecticut, over 800 people have been killed in the United States of America with firearms,” he said. “We’ve got to do what we need to do to make sure that we stem gun violence, and we need to do it in a comprehensive manner.”

KCBS’ Chris Filippi Reports:

Emotions ran high during the meeting as no clear consensus emerged on how to reduce gun violence.

Several people whose loved ones were killed in shootings called on Congress to dispassionately address what they see as a public health emergency.

While some in the crowd questioned why gun control laws cannot be more strict, others expressed support for the National Rifle Association’s proposal to place armed security guards in schools.

Several at the forum urged lawmakers to come up with solutions that keep guns out of the hands of mentally disturbed people without limiting legal gun ownership.

Thompson’s next gun rights forum has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Santa Rosa County Administration Building.

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