The massacre in Connecticut has lawmakers here in North Carolina talking about the need for more gun control. Some are even suggesting a ban on high-powered assault weapons.

The man who took so many young lives brought in several high-powered weapons to carry out the shooting.
Federal agents recovered two high-powered pistols and a semi-automatic rifle called a Bushmaster.

Experts say all of the weapons are popular among gun owners and easily available.

"The rifle that he had was of the type that they use in war. Why would anybody have access to a rifle like that?" said N.C. Rep. Beverly Earle. She's a Democrat who represents the 101st district.

Earle said she wants to talk about more gun control and perhaps a complete ban on assault weapons.

"When you start thinking about your family, your children and the impact that these guns are having, I would think most folks would want to sign on," Earle said.

Thousands nationwide are saying the same thing. An online petition – found by clicking here -- asks Congress to immediately address the issue of gun control. Saturday it had more than 91,000 signatures.

Local gun shop owners told Eyewitness News a total ban on assault weapons may not be the answer.

"If a person is given to violence and he can pass the background check, there is little legislatively we can do to stop that kind of violence," said Bob Dickie, president of High Caliber Fire Arms in Gastonia.

He warned that any gun can do damage if the shooter is willing, but Earle said, at the very least, it's time for legislators to have a serious discussion about gun control.

N.C. Sen. Malcolm Graham, a Democrat who represents District 40, also said that he would support a discussion on gun control. He said, if nobody else would, he'd bring the issue up in the next legislative session. He said the goal is not to take away guns, but create policies that protect people.