Who is right? Consider this chart:
Gun Ownership "Common" = More than 30 legally owned private firearms per 100 population
Gun Ownership "Difficult" = Severe restrictions, but average law abiding person can own a firearm
Gun Ownership "Extremely Difficult" = People with significant wealth or connections may be able to own a firearm
Gun Ownership Virtually Banned = Effectively impossible for citizens to own firearms
Since we are focused on so called "assault weapons", it is worth noting that Switzerland has a homicide rate six times lower than the US, even though these kind of weapons are the primary rifle owned in Switzerland. Russia's homicide rate is over twice as high as the US, even though they virtually ban private firearms ownership.
Even more instructive is Jamaica. This country, located on an island, has spent the last 40 years attempting to get rid of all guns. They have been banned all firearms since the 1970's and even have special "firearms courts" to deal with offenders. Guess what? They now have a homicide rate thirteen times higher than the U.S.
Still think gun laws are the answer? OK, a few questions:
In what democratic nation has implementing gun control reduce homicides or other crimes?
Answer:None.
What was the effect of the last "assault weapons" ban on crime and mass shootings?
Answer: None
What cities have had handguns bans since the 1970s?
Answer: Chicago and Washington DC
What two cities have the highest murder rates in the US?
Answer: Chicago and Washington DC
Gun control is not the answer. It has never been been the answer. The answer is a lot harder than banning inanimate objects. The answer lies inside human beings. If we focus there, we may actually be able to make things better.