Rick Perry: 'Pray for help' rather than passing gun laws

Republican Gov. Rick Perry of Texas said Wednesday that Americans should become more devout rather than attempt to reduce gun violence through laws and regulations.

After President Barack Obama announced his proposals to fight against gun violence in the United States, Perry released a statement that said none of the proposals would work. The conservative governor insisted "no gun law" could prevent mass shootings like the one in Newtown, because the shootings were perpetrated by evil individuals.

"There is evil prowling in the world - it shows up in our movies, video games and online fascinations, and finds its way into vulnerable hearts and minds," he said. "As a free people, let us choose what kind of people we will be. Laws, the only redoubt of secularism, will not suffice. Let us all return to our places of worship and pray for help. Above all, let us pray for our children."

Perry added that he was disgusted to see "the political left" use the tragic shooting of 20 young schoolchildren in Newtown to push a "pre-existing political agenda" of gun control. He claimed no one has the right to infringe on the Second Amendment, which upholds American's right to keep and bear arms.

A week after the Newtown shooting, Perry said the solution to mass shootings in schools was to allow teachers to carry guns.

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[Image via AFP]