Poll: Does Colorado Shooting Show a Need for More Gun Restrictions?

The massacre at Columbine High School. The shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The violence at Virginia Tech. And now, the rampage at a theater in Aurora, Colo., that's left 12 dead and 50 or more injured.

Incidents of gun violence often dominate the news, and after every such incident, the debate begins anew: Should federal and state governments make it more difficult for people to get their hands on guns?

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The issue tends to divide Americans right down the middle; in April 2010, Pew Research found more Americans placing greater importance on protecting the rights of gun owners (49 percent) than on restricting gun ownership (45 percent).

That poll, of course, was conducted before this latest tragedy. So we're wondering whether this incident will have an impact on the issue in the Twin Cities region. Please let us know how you feel by voting in our poll, and describing the reason for your opinion in the comments below.

And as always, please keep the debate respectful.