Should Congress Enact Tougher Gun Laws?

In the wake of the shooting in Aurora, CO, some officials are calling again for tougher gun laws.

Baltimore County, MD, police Chief James Johnson and other law enforcement officers spoke at the National Press Club this week, supporting the notion that a high-capacity magazine like one used in the Aurora shooting “simply has no place in civilian hands,” according an article in the Los Angeles Times.

“It is ridiculous to argue that hunters or civilians who own weapons for self-defense need a 100-round drum magazine,” he said in the LA Times. “As we have seen, people don’t stand a chance against this kind of firepower.”

Police say the weapons and ammunition used by Aurora shooting suspect James E. Holmes were legally purchased.

Some officials are pushing for background checks and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said earlier this week that police officers across the nation should threaten to go "on strike" to press for more restrictions on armor-piercing bullets. Later, Bloomberg backed off that statement somewhat, noting that police in New York are not permitted to strike.

Legislation targeting ammunition magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds was introduced after the shooting of then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) in Tucson, but the measure has languished for more than a year in Congress.

Take our poll. Should Congress enact tougher gun laws to prevent citizens from owning assault weapons, armor-piercing bullets or high-capacity magazines?