Local leaders call for stricter gun laws

COCONUT GROVE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Local leaders are calling on Congress to take action on gun laws.

Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado held a press conference at Miami City Hall on Monday morning in hopes the US Congress will change gun laws across the nation.

Carol Gardner lost her 27-year-old son when he was gunned down with an AK-47 last April in Miami. "My son was killed for no reason," said Gardner. She is among a chorus of voices of politicians and officers calling for stricter gun laws. "Even though it may not benefit me now because he is gone, it can for someone else's child," said Gardner.

Mayor Tomas Regalado said, "It is important that we send this message." He is one of 800 mayors across the United States holding news conferences just 30 days after the Sandy Hook School massacre, demanding Congress pass laws requiring every gun buyer to pass a criminal background check, make gun trafficking a federal crime and to ban military-style assault weapons.

Miami Police Department Chief Manuel Orosa said, "There is no reason for you to be owning a gun that was intended and developed to kill people in the military."

Each day, 33 people across the country are killed by guns. The group believes that with stricter laws that number can be reduced.

Community Activist Jerome Sterling said, "We don't need these type of assault weapons on the streets. We don't need this. We need to make sure that we fight with Congress to get these weapons off the street."

The group is hoping Congress hears their cries, which will spare another family the pain of Carol Gardner. "I'm still bitter. I have not had closure because I am still angry," said Gardner.

In addition, the City of Miami is holding three gun buy-backs. The first one will be on Saturday.

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