Mayors Thom Lauzon of Barre, center rear, Miro Weinberger of Burlington, left, and John Hollar of Montpelier hold a news conference on Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 in Burlington, Vt. Several mayors in Vermont are banding together to speak out about reducing gun violence. The mayors are asking for more action from Washington to reduce gun violence. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A weapons industry group based in the Connecticut town where a gunman killed 20 children, six adults and himself last month is hosting a Las Vegas trade show for tens of thousands of gun and gear manufacturers and enthusiasts.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is focusing its 35th annual SHOT Show beginning Tuesday on products and services new to what it calls a $4.1 billion industry. It comes amid a raging national debate over assault weapons.

The show is closed to the public. The organizer limited media attendance after the Dec. 14 shooting in Newtown, Conn.

President Barack Obama is among those calling for gun control. A National Rifle Association executive says the best response to a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.

Associated Press
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