Some Mississippians are coming out loudly against plans by a fire arms manufacturer to open shop in the state. Protestors believe the factory could lead to more gun violence.
About 20 protestors march in front of the Governor's mansion in Jackson carrying signs opposing Talon Ordnance, a gun manufacturer that is planing to open a factory in an industrial park just north of the capital city.
The protestors, led by Hinds County Supervisor Kenneth Stokes, fear that the presence of the factory could lead to an increase in violent gun crime in Jackson and around the state.
"The governor should take a stand against these gun makers coming into the state of Mississippi. We do not need blood money. And that is exactly what it is going to be. Anybody that dies after this company opens up and starts putting these guns on teh street is blood money and this blood is going to be on the governor's soul," Stokes said.
That would appear unlikely since Governor Phil Bryant stood with the company's CEO last week and applauded the decision to open the plant.
Among the protestors was Belinda Barber, whose 17-year old son was shot to death less than 100 yards from her back down door last week.
"They don't need no guns in Mississippi. no guns. That is blood money. No guns. We do not need guns," Barber said.
The company could be aiming to cash in on an increase in demand for AR-15 style semi-automatic rifles that have seen a huge surge in popularity.
However, the gun also stirs controversy since a similar weapon was used in the massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut earlier this year.
Talon CEO Clay Baldwin says it is always unfortunate when someone uses the weapon to kill innocent people.
"But the responsible firearms ownership is certainly a freedom that we maintain in this country. We are devoted as a company to the safe and lawful use of this product. And certainly when it is used in that way, it is a tool for individual protection and the sustainment of individual freedom," Baldwin said.
Baldwin expects the first guns to be rolling of the line and ready for sale by early next year.
