Bipartisan move on gun control needed

THE DEADLY shooting at Santa Fe High in Texas is the latest in an epidemic of gun violence in schools. The statistics are appalling. Since the start of 2015 alone, there have been 66 incidents killing 84 people and injuring 152. The details of each incident and others dating back to the 19th century can be found on Wikipedia.

These statistics say nothing about the trauma suffered by those students, teachers and first responders who witnessed these disturbing events. In all, some 214,000 students in 216 schools have experienced gun violence since the massive Columbine shooting in 1999, according to a Washington Post report.

In the absence of sensible federal government gun control legislation, New Mexico, which had an incident of gun violence killing three in Aztec just 6 months ago, can seize the initiative to help protect its children and teachers. At present, New Mexico laws do not require a permit to purchase a gun nor is registration of a firearm or a license mandated. There are no restrictions on assault weapons or magazine capacity. While a license is required to carry a concealed weapon, it is perfectly legal for anyone to open carry a loaded rifle or handgun.

Sensible gun control legislation is not a threat to lawabiding citizens and should not restrict the rights of hunters. The focus should be on keeping firearms out of the hands of the mentally unstable and those who would commit crimes. There is no reason not to address limited magazine capacity or the availability of assault weapons. With the safety of our children in mind, lawmakers should be able to reach a bipartisan consensus on gun control. DAVID PRESCOTT Santa Fe