Gun laws, mental health cited as factors in Aurora shooting

After a mass shooting like the one in Aurora, Colo., we often hear the complaint that it happens because gun laws are too lax. But a Colorado Springs woman says mental illness is a common factor, as well.

Although mental illness has not been mentioned as a factor in the alleged behavior of suspect James Holmes, legal advocate Rita Ague said his actions follow the pattern of shootings at Columbine High School in 1999 and New Life Church in 2007 — emotionless gunmen who shot and killed many victims.

Ague said the easy availability of guns, combined with emotional behavior disorders that could be unnoticed, untreated or ignored, will continue to produce tragedies like the one in Aurora.

“All too often, these poor folks fall into rage mode, where reality goes bye-bye,” she said. “But toughening gun laws, and finding more resources to help the mentally ill, often are unpopular issues. We need to speak out, to tell the truth about how we are failing It’s hard often to take off blinders and to look at reality.”

Colorado Springs police said they understand the call for stronger gun laws after the Aurora shooting.

“Law enforcement officers are exposed to some very serious and deadly situations,” said police spokeswoman Barbara Miller. “So as it relates to that, of course they’d always want something a little bit more stringent. Will it happen? I don’t know.”

Law enforcement says even stronger gun laws may do little to control situations such as on Craigslist, where people actively and legally trade for guns under the catch phrase of “things that go bang.” Most private gun transactions are not documented, and aren’t required to be.>