Rep. Mike Collins’ community was rocked by the deadliest school shooting in Georgia history on Sept. 4. Two days later, the Republican representative stood before a crowd of mourners in his district and declared: “I don’t think you can legislate evil and hate away.”
But some residents of Winder, a rural town of 18,300 people that falls between Athens and Atlanta, disagreed with that sentiment. They believed that gun legislation could have made a difference for the four people – two children and two teachers – murdered at Apalachee High School by 14-year-old Colt Gray.
Standing under a drizzle at Friday’s candlelight vigil, Winder native John George questioned why anyone would need an assault rifle like the AR-style weapon used in the shooting.
“Some friends, you know, say that I’m crazy. But I think assault weapons should be banned,” George told USA TODAY. “What do you need assault weapons for unless you’re going to be hunting people?”
Nearby parent, Guillermo Rosco, agreed: “Sometimes I think gun regulation is the answer.”