Hartford, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Tuesday marks nine years since the deadly shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
Lawmakers and advocates gathered Monday at the state Capitol calling for what they say should be commonsense gun safety measures.
Leonard Jahad is with the Connecticut Community Violence Intervention Program.
He said those who live in the larger cities like Hartford and Bridgeport have to deal with gun violence on a regular basis.
"We try to change the culture around conflict or resolving conflict by using a gun", said Jahad.
He said young people in urban centers can get their hands in a firearm just as easily as making a purchase at the local grocery store.
Senator Chris Murphy said many states including Connecticut passed tougher gun measures in the aftermath of Sandy Hook on a bipartisan basis and that should serve as the impetus to do likewise on the national level.