Gun safety rally held in Montgomery Co.

ROCKVILLE, Md. - The recent mass shootings across America have prompted some D.C. metro area residents to push harder for an end to gun violence. A gun safety rally was held in Montgomery County on Sunday afternoon, and Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen was among those who attended.

Van Hollen joined Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and local officials as well as religious leaders and gun safety advocates at Sunday's rally in front of Rockville's Old Gray Courthouse. Van Hollen and Leggett asked for common sense and the right legislation to help end gun violence. They also called for more permits for guns, and broader background checks.

Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger said their department has seen a staggering spike in the number of guns recovered on the streets. In 2012, he said, 733 guns were recovered through the course of the year. But in 2014--just two years later--that number rose to 1,054 guns. Manger said the majority of them were recovered in four types of calls for help: domestic violence, mental issues, illegal drug transactions and traffic stops.

Another rally is planned for January 7 in Silver Spring.