Jan. 8 survivor Maisch speaks out about Oregon mall shooting
Reporter: Justin Schecker
Web Producer: Mekita Rivas
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - The Oregon mall shooting is just the latest mass shooting since the January 8th tragedy in Tucson. Since then, the survivors have become activists.
One survivor, Patricia Maisch, said she's still in shock over the Oregon tragedy.
"It just doesn't seem right that we shouldn't be able to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them," Maisch said.
Since her life was spared on Jan. 8, 2011, Maisch has been on a mission advocating for gun control reform.
"I'm in for the long haul," Maisch said.
Supporters of the second amendment, such as the president of the Gun Owners of Arizona Ken Rineer, say changes to gun laws will infringe on their rights and not prevent massacres.
"The people who by nature don't obey laws could care less whether Congress enacts a ban on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds," he said.
How does Maisch respond to that sentiment?
"I would say it might have changed something on January 8th had he only had a 10 round clip -- there wouldn't have been as many people murdered possibly," she said.
Maisch said her and other survivors have partnered with mayors against illegal guns to lobby for increased background checks on gun sales.
But she added that their efforts to keep guns out of the wrong hands isn't the only bond they share.
"We find comfort from each other," she said. "So I'm hoping the people in Oregon will be able to find some comfort from the other people that were there."
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