Self-Defense Supporters Protest CO Gun Bills

Restrictions seem poised for passage

Representatives of those affected by every recent mass shooting were among the throngs of people jamming the Colorado state capitol Monday to testify before a pair of Senate committees considering seven controversial gun-control bills.

This group included Mark Kelly, whose wife, former Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords, was shot in the head during a constituent meeting in Tucson, and Jane Dougherty, whose sister, school psychologist Mary Sherlock, was killed in the Sandy Hook elementary school massacre.

During their testimony and those of others, the sound of blaring horns could be heard outside the third floor hearing room. Cars and pickup truck adorned with American flags and signs saying "Don't Tread On Me" circled the capitol building in protest of the legislation, and provided an audible backdrop to the committee proceedings.