On Wednesday night, dozens joined in Newtown to attend a vigil for the victims of Las Vegas.
For many who were there, the scene was all too familiar as candles were lit for the victims of another mass shooting.
"Thoughts and prayers are not enough anymore. There are too many people getting gunned down in public spaces," said Po Murray, chairman of the Newtown Action Alliance/The Newtown Foundation.
The Newtown Action Alliance organized Wednesday's vigil and worked with allies across the country which led to a total of 25 events in 15 states that day.
"Initially we're always heartbroken," said Murray. “We know what those families are going through, what the community is going through. And we want to be here for them. We want to send love to Las Vegas to the families and the victims."
The vigil was also a call to action. Murray said there's a reason why they were there outside the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
"This group is responsible for rebranding assault weapons as modern sporting rifles," said Murray. "Direct loss of life because of their relentless pursuit to get these weapons in the hands of all civilians."
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The NSSF released a statement that reads, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those killed and injured in the criminal attack in Las Vegas. Out of respect for the families of the victims and the law enforcement process, we are not going to comment or participate in media requests made relating to this attack."
Holly Sullivan, a Southbury mom, gun owner, and NRA-certified instructor said those calling for tougher gun laws certainly don't speak for her or many others in Connecticut.
"I just want people to know the other side, that there are law-abiding gun owners here and we care strongly about the victims. And we don’t feel this should be an event that should be politicized out of the wake of the tragedy," said Sullivan.
Sullivan adds that there's still a lot more information that needs to come out of Las Vegas.
"I think it's a little too soon, to be quite honest with you. We have no official release as to what was used, how it was used, how it was obtained, and to be already calling for legislation seems like, in the event of a tragedy, I don't think we're at that point yet," said Sullivan.
Murray and others at Wednesday night's event said they know enough and that change needs to happen now.
"Until we create the legislative changes we need, we're going to continue to see these mass shootings. And it's just unacceptable for us here in Newtown. We don't want to see this anymore," said Murray. "The only way we'll see a change is if Americans demand it."
Murray said there's not one regulation that will solve this. She said it has to be a comprehensive strategy, but she said it certainly includes a federal ban on assault weapons and limiting high-capacity magazines and not making it easier for people to buy gun silencers.
