The divisive politics of gun control reared its head Wednesday, unable to be suppressed by the wave of unity that swept Washington in the aftermath of the targeted shooting of Republican lawmakers.

Both liberals and conservatives raised the issue within hours of a gunman opening fire on Republican congressmen as they practiced for an annual charity baseball game at a public park in Alexandria, Va., near the capital. The Left used the shooting to push for more firearms restrictions; the Right to argue for more expansive carrying rights.