The Kansas City city council has joined the mayor in calling for tougher gun control laws. One focus is on controlling weapons like AK-47's and AR-15's.
On Wednesday, Sly James announced that he would be one of a group of mayors signing an open letter to President Obama and Congress calling for a ban on assault weapons and an elimination of loopholes in the American gun laws.
The following day, the city council unanimously endorsed sending a letter to Washington officials urging them to restore the federal ban on assault weapons.
Mayor James said even though local governments have no say-so over national leaders, such statements are important steps to take because, "Even if this is a symbolic gesture it's one worth taking because at some point in time we as leaders have to make our positions known."
The council also unanimously endorsed a national moment of silence honoring the victims of the Newtown tragedy at 8:30 Friday morning, December 22.
