The heated battle over gun control continues in Washington today, where officials from both sides voiced their concerns.

The gun control subject shifted from the White House to Capitol Hill today and although debate took place all the way in Washington, it affects all citizens across the country, including people right here in Grand Junction.

"It's not the gun it's the person that's operating it," said Kris Klitzkey, one of many people we spoke with who strongly disagrees with the idea of gun control.

Angela Miller of Grand Junction also agrees, saying, "I don't believe in gun control at all, and never have I ever seen a criminal obey the law, and without guns we wouldn't be able to protect ourselves from them," said Miller.

"I think everybody should be able to have a gun and carry a gun, I believe if someone going to go shoot somebody they're going to find a gun no matter what," said Jim Caley of Grand Junction.  

As the debate continues in Washington, the other side says these constant tragedies need to be prevented somehow.

Grand Junction resident Natasha Conner said, "I think that we for sure have to have gun control over here in this country, because so many people are dead, and so many kids killed lately and each year something is happening"

"I think they need to be better enforced, the ones we have now."

Today marks the first congressional hearing since the Newtown, Connecticut shooting.

The administration has said it's making gun control a top priority.

"The senate should be focusing on the mental health issue that seems to be coming up with these mass shootings," said Klitzkey.

"If these people want to talk about gun control, let’s talk about everything, let’s talk about mental health issues, let’s talk about violent video games violent television. They stand behind their first amendment rights, well we stand behind our second amendment rights," said Jerry Stehman, a Gun shop owner.