Two shootings within two hours raise concern

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield Police are investigating two separate shootings that happened during overnight hours.

22News asked western Massachusetts residents if they think recent gun control proposals could help reduce gun violence in this area.

Two areas of Springfield have now become crime scenes. Two separate shootings on Stafford and Beech Streets sent two people to Baystate Medical Center early Sunday morning. A concerning trend for parents and long-time residents who feel the city is changing.

April Tluszcz of Ludlow said “When you've got kids, children that are growing up, you do get concerned about it.”

Francisco Rosa of Springfield told 22News “Me, my wife and nephew, we got robbed one time in one area. That didn't happen before... Things like that. Now it's happening more.”

To help reduce gun violence, both state and federal lawmakers have proposed stricter gun laws like banning assault weapons and requiring criminal background checks.

Toy Lam of Springfield said “To me, gun license should be like dog or driver's license. You register it. You gotta renew it every year and at least report if you still got them or not.”

Some people said they are not sure if strict gun laws alone would get all illegal guns off the streets, and they said to really reduce violence, they would like to see more police presence in neighborhoods. They also want parents, educators and lawmakers to work together to raise awareness.

Tluszcz said “It's gotta be the police. It's gotta be you as a parent, a homeowner, teaching, the people who sell them, but it's hard because I think no matter what you do, they are always going to be around. It's always going to happen.”