Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Attorney General William French Smith reported feeling that President Reagan's attitude towards gun control will remain unaltered following assassination attempt.
REPORTER: Peter Jennings

(NYC) Role of guns in United States culture examined; historical aspects outlined. Samuel Colt mentioned; photos shown. Victims noted frequently retaining pro-gun position following assaults; George Wallace cited as example Ronald Reagan's association with guns during movie career and remarks following murder of John Lennon recalled. [REAGAN - comments on Lennon killing.] California handgun legislature mentioned. Ease with which one can obtain handgun in US, with exception of few states, examined; New Jersey said calling for total ban on handgun sales. [Senators Joseph MERLINO, Anthony IMPERIALE - debate legislature] [National Coalition to Ban Handguns spokesperson Michael BEARD - calls for fed. handgun legislature] Power of gun lobby discussed; Constitution quoted on screen. [The Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms spokesperson John SNYDER - notes advantage of having most pro-gun President since Theodore Roosevelt in ofc.] [Los Angeles police chief Daryl GATES - thinks best gun control comes with lack of fear.] Assassination attempt on Reagan yesterday shown. [Maureen REAGAN - isn't prepared to accept situation.] [Jimmy CARTER - predicts lack of action from Congress; recalls congress apathy following shooting of George Wallace and murder of Robert Kennedy.] [Representative John ASHBROOK - claims gun enthusiasts are nonviolent.] Speaker Tip O'Neill's pessimistic outlook for gun control mentioned.
REPORTER: John Martin

(Studio) Tonight's "Nightline" reported dealing with gun issue.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds