Clinton: Virginia shooting a call to address gun violence

ANKENY - Hillary Clinton said Wednesday she hopes a fatal shooting of two television journalists in Virginia serves as a call for stronger gun control measures.

Clinton, the Democratic candidate for president and former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state, was asked by reporters about the shooting after her campaign event here Wednesday.

Reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward were shot to death Wednesday morning during a live television interview, according to The Associated Press. Authorities identified the suspect as a journalist who had been fired from the station earlier this year.

'I was so stricken to think these two young people doing the work you guys do every single day would be murdered on live television,” Clinton said. 'I will extend my condolences and sympathies to their families and coworkers. …

'I will also reiterate that we have got to do something about gun violence. And I will take it on.”

Clinton said she wants to prevent 'needless” and 'senseless” deaths that occur from gun violence, whether by accidents or intentional actions. She called for universal background checks and measures to keep guns away from potential buyers who may need a cooling-off period, such as those who recently have been fired or involved in a domestic dispute.

'It's a very political, difficult issue in America. But I believe we are smart enough and compassionate enough to balance the Second Amendment rights with preventative measures and control measures,” Clinton said. 'Maybe we could prevent this kind of carnage.”