KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- For many across East Tennessee, Binghamton, New York is just a town up north. But for one Tennessee State Representative it's home.

Stacey Campfield says he grew up about five miles from the shooting scene. Friday's gunfire also echoed the fear members of Knoxville's Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist church
felt last summer.

Images of swarming swat teams isn't how Campfield remembers his hometown.

"You say you're from New York and you think of the city, but it's a lot like Knoxville. In fact, it's probably more rural than Knoxville," Campfield said.

That's why Campfield can't believe Binghamton, New York, his home, is now home to the United State's latest mass shooting. Police say the gunman killed 13 people at a downtown Immigration Service Center, and then committed suicide Friday.

"A buddy of mine called and said they're shooting up in your hometown near the schools. My hand is like this trying to call my family to make sure they're OK," Campfield says.

They were. Campfield's made changing gun laws a priority in his legislative arsenal.

"You never hear about these people attacking gun stores or police stations. They go where the easy killing is. They go to the gun-free zones," Campfield said.

The shooting happened just days after two controversial bills Campfield sponsored failed. The first allowed full-time faculty and staff at Tennessee public colleges and universities to carry handguns on campus, with a valid permit.

The second gave the same ability to retired law enforcement officers and retired military personnel, among others.

"Here's just another example, you never know when something's bad going to happen," Campfield said.

The rampage brings back painful memories for Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist President Ted Jones.

"I relived what it's like to go through your average everyday routine and then someone routine and then someone walks in with a rifle and starts shooting," Jones said.

Jones was there as a gunman killed two people at the Knoxville church about eight months ago. He says the congregation shares an unwelcome connection with a growing number of shooting victims.

"Unfortunately I think we're sort of getting used to it. I think you learn to take a deep breath and go forward because you can't live in fear," Jones said.

Campfield says he'll remember his home for what it was and not for the scenes of panic and violence.

"There's always one person who fell off the crazy bus. I guess this was this small town's unfortunate run-in with that," Campfield said.

University of Tennessee Police has opposed Campfield's on-campus carry proposal. Chief August Washington declined Volunteer T-V's request for an interview.

However, in a statement he says, "Our position remains it is unwise to allow guns on college campuses. college and university police have continuous training and are best-prepared to provide law enforcement services on their campuses. Arming the general population is not the answer."

Campfield says he'll give the legislation another try next year.

TVUUC members are planning a special event and church service for it's upcoming shooting anniversary in July.