News Photo by Shannon Vivero A wide variety of guns are seen on display recently at Bob’s Gun Shop near Alpena.

ALPENA — Northeast Michiganders have mixed opinions on gun control legislation planned in Lansing following a mass shooting Monday on the Michigan State University campus.

Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called on the state’s lawmakers to pass tighter gun control measures before the shooting at MSU that left three people dead and five critically injured. Since the incident, Democrats who control both chambers of the Legislature have vowed to speedily tackle gun control bills that could include universal background checks, safe storage requirements, and so called “red flag” laws that would allow courts to take guns away from people proven a risk to themselves or others.

Northeast Michiganders this week had differing opinions on that news.

“Gun legislation is an issue that crosses political boundaries,” said Marie Fielder, who was the Democratic nominee for Northeast Michigan’s state rep last year but spoke to The News in no official capacity. “It is not just about Republicans and Democrats. It is a public health issue. I am horrified and deeply troubled by the events at MSU.”

“The night of the events at MSU was too soon to jump on gun laws after lives were just lost,” said Geyer Balog, who ran for state rep as a Republican last year and is the founder of Save Our Guns-Political Action Community. “Law-abiding gun owners are being attacked, when the criminals with guns are the ones who should be addressed.”

Michigan’s voters have expressed support for tighter gun laws. A statewide poll released in December by the Detroit Regional Chamber stated 90% support background checks for anyone purchasing a gun and 74% approve of having guns taken away from individuals who may be dangerous to themselves or others.

“I am strongly pro guns,” Fielder said. “Owning a gun is a right and a privilege. I am a firm believer that the way that we protect the Second Amendment is enacting strong legislation that addresses issues that all voters are concerned about.”

In rural areas like Northeast Michigan, hunting is a popular outdoor activity and Northeast Michiganders said this week the area’s hunting tradition has helped them develop a respect for guns and gun safety.

“Growing up, my family treasured our ability to fish and hunt, we had a belief to respect the right to own and use a gun,” Fielder said.

“There is a push for universal background checks through the state, but the federal government already does it through the FBI system,” Balog said. “A lot of us are wondering if some state lawmakers are even aware of what is in place currently. I am pro gun because it is a god-given right that is recognized in the U.S. Constitution. It is a way of life up here. But also for protecting and defending ourselves.”

Fielder said she believes members of both parties can come together to find solutions that protect gun ownership and protect Michigan residents.

“Democrats and Republicans can come together to protect the Second Amendment and protect the citizens,” Fielder said. “Our legislators owe that to our Michiganders. It is not about Democrats or Republicans. It is about our people.”

Michigan averages about 1,400 gun deaths annually, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of which, 811 deaths by a firearm were considered a homicide in 2020.

“In contrast, about 18,500 people die annually from heart disease in Michigan, so eating healthy would save many more lives than completely taking firearms out of the equation,” said Todd Britton, a member of the Alpena County Republican Party.

“In the United States, lawfully owned firearms are used approximately 2 million times annually in self-defense incidents,” Britton said. “Would it be fair to remove the tool from these people and create even more victims?”

Numerous news outlets have reported that the suspected MSU shooter was charged in 2019 with carrying a concealed pistol without a permit, a felony, but pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

“Anthony McRae should have been charged with a felony,” Balog said. “Then he would not have been able to purchase a gun.”

At least one local gun dealer estimates a significant percentage of those buying guns for hunting purposes.

“I would estimate 20% of purchases are hunters, others might not necessarily be hunters, they just might use the firearms for different reasons,” said Jeff Stahl, who has been working at Full Bore Firearms for two years and is a firearm manufacturer. “Prior to legislation being passed, I would expect gun sales to increase.”