Quinn Seeks Prayers For Bereaved, Gun Control After Colorado Movie Massacre
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn is seeking prayers for the bereaved in the Colorado movie massacre, and gun control legislation, which he hopes might alleviate some of the violence in the U.S.
As WBBM Newsradio's John Cody reports, Quinn of the trauma for the family of crystal lake sailor John Larimer, who died protecting his girlfriend in the Aurora, Colo., movie theater.
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"The Larimer family did not know for many hours on Friday whether her son was dead or alive, and it was a very traumatic time for that family – a special family from our state of Illinois," Quinn said.
Larimer was sitting with a group of sailors and his girlfriend, Julia Vojtsek, in the Century 16 cinema this past Thursday night for the midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises."
Vojtsek told WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller on Sunday that her boyfriend sacrificed his life for her by protecting her whole body with his. Vojtsek, a nurse, was not wounded when the alleged gunman 24-year-old James Holmes, opened fire on the crowd.
Twelve people died from their injuries and 59 others were wounded.
Responding to reporters' questions Tuesday, Quinn said he wants a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. He also wants a Springfield vote against any proposal for concealed carry in Illinois.
Illinois is the only state without some kind of concealed carry legislation. Contrary to Quinn's position, gun rights advocates have been calling for years for that to change.
