Ontario Gun Show Draws Larger Than Anticipated Crowds

ONTARIO (CBSLA.com) — Thousands have been flocking to Ontario this weekend for the "Crossroads of the West" gun show.

The event at the Ontario Convention Center concludes at 4 p.m. Sunday.

On Saturday, the expected 12,000 attendees grew to 18,000 as many had to wait in long lines to get inside to buy firearms, ammunition and accessories.

"The Second Amendment right was written for the American public to protect themselves against a tyrant government," one attendee told KNX 1070 Newsradio's Vytas Safroncikas.

Some attendees at the gun show expressed concern to Safroncikas that proposed legislation in the wake of the Newtown shooting massacre would outlaw a lot of firearms.

"Sadly, the advocates of gun control seize on tragedies and the emotion of the moment in an attempt to further their agendas," said show owner Bob Templeton.

One woman told Safroncikas that she's very concerned her window of opportunity to protect herself is closing.

"We're very concerned. I don't really have a need for a gun. I don't want to have a gun necessarily, but it is forcing me to reevaluate that position," she said.

The gun show marks the first local event since that shooting rampage that claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults in Connecticut.

RELATED STORY: Huge Crowds Expected At First Local Gun Show Since Newtown Shootings