Women in Detroit Have Different Views on How to Respond to Gun Violence

In light of recent shootings across the country, women have taken two radically different responses – with some calling for more gun control and others embracing their right to keep and bear arms.

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The women of Detroit, Michigan are no exception.

Rain Jones and her children passed out fliers in Brightmoor for a “Stop the Violence” rally. Jones believes there should be less guns in the Metro Detroit area and supports a ban on assault rifles. She also worries about the mentally ill getting permits to carry guns.

“It’s more than too many guns, more than too many, and nobody is doing anything about it,” Jones said.

Adding, “I decided not to have a weapon in my house because I don’t want my children to get a hold of it.”

But the trends being reported by the NICS aren’t in Jones’ favor

The FBI is breaking records. In 2015, there were a reported 23 million background checks for felonies and mental illness on applications submitted for permits to carry guns. So far, 2016 has seen a 32% increase in background checks and is on pace to hit 32 million checks.

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That includes a record number of women.

“Well unfortunately in these uncertain times, you need to prepare yourself,” Dorice Blackshear said. “The idea of firing one makes me uncomfortable, but I have to prepare myself as much as possible.”

From the city to the suburbs, gun ranges and safety classes are filling up with females.

“I work in real so on occasions I go to areas by myself and I’d rather be safe and know that I’d rather have it and not need it rather than the other way around,” Livonia resident Danielle Goff said.

In the past five years, active gun licenses have nearly doubled in Michigan.  Some 15 percent of those are women.

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