Shortly after the school shootings in Newtown, Conn., the New York Daily News tabloid ran a dramatic cover graphic depicting the U.S. Capitol with blood running down from the roof. “BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS,” blared the headline. Accompanying the graphic was a petition calling for more gun control.

Since then nearly 127,000 readers have signed the petition, according to the Daily News. Today, a month after the shootings, the tabloid has an editorial saying the signatures should be enough for Congress to act:

What more could Washington need? What more than 126,952 petitions urging the most reasonable restrictions on ownership of weaponry that is designed for mass killing and that has been put repeatedly to full lethal use?

What more than the horrifying massacre of 20 children and six adults that prompted the Daily News to invite readers into a campaign for a ban on assault rifles and high-capacity ammunition magazines, as well as for more comprehensive gun controls?

Response was immediate, sustained and overwhelming. Petitions have poured in from New Yorkers and from citizens around the country who have joined The News’ family of readers through the paper’s digital edition. …

Americans ache for gun controls even as they respect the Second Amendment. …

Obama must insist on a full package: no assault weapons, no high-capacity magazines, universal background checks on would-be gun buyers and more. And the President must not flag as the NRA stalks its congressional hunting ground with grossly exaggerated claims of popular support.