Recent Shootings Spark Renewed Calls For Tougher Gun Control Laws

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A slew of high-profile, deadly shootings has renewed calls for stricter gun laws in the country.

As WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported, Rep. Bill Pascrell has sponsored several gun control measures.

Now, after last week's deadly shooting of a security guard in a federal building in SoHo and the fatal shootings of a television journalist and cameraman live on air in Virginia, many are wondering if there is the political will to do something about gun control on a federal level.

"I think so. I have, and I mean, you know my record on this stuff, but you need more than one person and you need more than 30 or 40," said Rep. Pascrell.

Pascrell said both sides need to stop finger pointing and come together.

"Universal background checks, I feel, is the best way as a baby step," the lawmaker said.

It's unclear if that would have prevented the two shootings. In both cases, the gunman passed state background checks.