California House Democrats Hold Gun Control Event On Steps Of LA City Hall

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Members of California's congressional delegation who participated in a sit-in last week on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives joined local leaders and victims of gun violence on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall Wednesday to continue their push for the passage of two gun control bills.

"San Bernardino, Orlando, Charleston, Newtown, Columbine ... We must do something -- anything -- that can save even one life," said Rep. Xavier Becerra.

One of the bills in question would require background checks for gun purchases at gun shows, or for gun sales made over the Internet or from classified ads. The  other bill would prohibit anyone on the federal no-fly list from buying a gun.

"If you're too dangerous to be allowed to fly, you shouldn't be allowed to buy a gun," said Rep. Maxine Water.

The representatives were joined by victims of gun violence, including Mandy Pifer, whose boyfriend, Shannon Johnson, was among the 14 killed in December's San Bernardino attack.

"There's something going on and it's serious now, and we ask everyone around the country to join us so you never have to know how horrendous it is to lose the one you love the most to gun violence," she said.

Opponents of the two bills say California already has stringent background check laws and that the federal legislation would further restrict the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

"I think for the vast majority of it we've got quite an extensive process," said gun owner Dion Whitaker. "People who shouldn't have them won't have them."