Gun education classes held in Elma

ELMA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Empact America held a Firearms Safety and New York State Pistol Permit Course on Sunday using the new SAFE Act to stress the importance of gun education.

The classes are part of the groups Empower Western New York Campaign in hopes of teaching residents how to prepare for, prevent, and respond to emergency situations.

The president of Empact America, David Bellavia says gun education, not gun control, will help prevent another national tragedy.

"It really comes down to education. A lot of people right now, they're buying guns and they think that the government is going to take them away. If you want to buy a gun and exercise your Second Amendment, know what you're doing," said Bellavia.

Sunday's class was the largest ever free firearms training session in western New York. Empact America also plans to sponsor free self-defense training for local teachers.