Lawmakers travel to Newtown for public hearing

Associated Press

Updated: Jan 30, 2013 7:21 PM

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP/WTNH) — The General Assembly's bipartisan task force on gun violence and children's safety is traveling to Newtown to hear from residents about what should be done after the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The full 52-member group has scheduled an informational public hearing on Wednesday, from 6 p.m. to midnight, at Newtown High School.

Wednesday's event follows similar hearings held at the Legislative Office Building by task force subcommittees reviewing possible law and policy changes affecting gun violence, school safety and mental health.

People in the community have mixed feelings about this high profile public hearing.

"I think it's a nice gesture but I think, I don't know if I were a family member to anyone in Newtown, I would like time to heal. I would like time to heal," said one man.

"Are you willing to wait to speak," asked News 8's Erin Cox.

"I don't care if I speak or not, I just want to hear what's being said. I wanna be there," said Richard Cole of Newtown.

A portion of the hearing will be reserved for testimony from local officials, local first responders and families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School system. The speaking order for the general public will be determined by a lottery system.

Capacity for the event is 850 people.

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