Assault weapons remain legal and easy to purchase in US

[webfact]

Assault weapons remain legal and easy to purchase in US
By RYAN J. FOLEY

NEW YORK: -- Military-style assault weapons like the one Omar Mateen used to blast away at an Orlando nightclub remain legal and easy to purchase — easier, in Florida, than buying a handgun.

Mateen wielded an AR-15, the most popular rifle sold in the United States according to the National Rifle Association. Manufactured by companies such as Colt and Bushmaster, it's the civilian version of the M-16 rifle used by the U.S. military and many armies around the globe.

President Barack Obama and other gun control advocates have repeatedly called for reinstating a federal ban on semi-automatic assault weapons that expired in 2004. But they have been thwarted in Congress by majority Republicans and some pro-gun Democrats.

Opponents of a ban say semi-automatic rifles and pistols are good for hunting, target shooting and self-defense, and that a prohibition would infringe on the constitutional right to bear arms while doing little to prevent crime. Both sides agree that such weapons are used in only a tiny fraction of gun crimes.

But gun control advocates say any legitimate use of the weapons pales next to their ability to quickly inflict mass casualties.

"If you have a fairly clean record and a credit card, you can build your own army," said Josh Sugarmann, executive director of the Violence Policy Center.

"Sometimes what gets lost in the semantics of this debate is the fact that these are firearms that were designed to kill as many people as possible" as quickly as possible, he said.

Representatives of the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the firearms industry's trade group, did not return messages seeking comment.

In the wake of the Sunday morning shootings at Orlando's Pulse night spot, the presumptive presidential candidates spoke out on different sides of the issue.

Democrat Hillary Clinton has called for reinstating the assault weapons ban, saying "military-style assault weapons do not belong in our streets" and pose a threat to police officers. "We have to make it harder for people who should not have those weapons of war," she told a Cleveland audience on Monday.

Republican Donald Trump opposes an assault weapons ban, though in 2000 he said he supported it. "People have to be able to protect themselves. And the bad guys have them, so if the bad guys have them, we need protection in this country," he told CBS "This Morning" on Monday.

Fully automatic weapons are illegal for civilian use; they can fire many bullets with a single pull of the trigger. The triggers on legal, semi-automatic weapons fire a single bullet each time.

Still, the weapons can be fired rapidly — as fast as one shot per second — because they feature grips for shooters to control them and detachable magazines that can carry 30 rounds or more. Their retail prices vary but are often around $1,000.

Florida law sets a three-day waiting period for purchase of handguns, often used in crimes. But the state mandates no waiting period for any gun that requires two hands to hold.

Spurred partly by the killings of five schoolchildren and the wounding of 29 others and a teacher in Stockton, California, in 1989, Congress in 1994 banned certain semi-automatic assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines that held more than 10 rounds. But the law expired in 2004, and hasn't been renewed despite polls showing popular support for the idea.

Researchers have disagreed on whether the ban had a modest impact on gun crime, or none at all. Manufacturers were able to continue making similar weapons with slight design changes.

But the debate gained renewed energy after the December 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, when Adam Lanza used his mother's semi-automatic assault rifle to kill 20 first-graders and six adults. An attempt to impose a federal ban on assault weapons failed the next year, when Republicans in the U.S. Senate joined with some Democrats to block the proposal.

Since then, similar firearms have been used in other mass shootings, including the attacks in San Bernardino, California, at a military center in Chattanooga, and an Oregon community college.

Mateen, 29, was armed with an AR-15 and a handgun when attacked the crowded nightclub in the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, which claimed at least 49 lives. Dozens more were injured before Mateen was killed by police.

Mateen, a security guard who had been investigated by the FBI for possible ties to terrorists, had legally purchased weapons in recent days.

In December, House Democrats introduced a new federal ban on assault weapons that was designed to address the shortcomings in the earlier law. The plan failed to advance in the Republican-controlled chamber.

Some states have tried to impose their own restrictions on the weapons or sought measures that would at least slow down shooters using them.

Last month, California's Democratic-controlled state Senate voted to outlaw the sale of assault weapons with easily detachable magazines and to require that people turn in ammunition magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds.

Eight states have banned certain assault weapons, the use of high-capacity ammunition magazines, or both, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Requiring a shooter to reload after every 10 rounds fired would prevent at least some carnage in mass shootings, supporters of such measures say.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-06-14

[OMGImInPattaya]

Yes...gun private gun ownership is legal in the United States...so what news is this hysterical AP reporter trying to report?

Edited June 14, 2016 by OMGImInPattaya

[Estrada]

Yes...gun private gun ownership is legal in the United States...so what news is this hysterical AP reporter trying to report?

What hysteria? In the first 13 days of this month, there have been 17 Mass Shootings in the United States. 16 of them were not carried out by a Muslim. So far this year there have been 138 Mass Shootings. There have been 23,469 gun related incidents and 6,025 deaths this year, up until 13th June 2016.

[Lee4Life]

In countries where it is illegal to own a gun there are still gun deaths.There have also been mass stabbings, not to mention bombings. Where there is a will there is a way. Unfortunately this subject always makes for a good soapbox.

[AYJAYDEE]

In countries where it is illegal to own a gun there are still gun deaths.There have also been mass stabbings, not to mention bombings. Where there is a will there is a way. Unfortunately this subject always makes for a good soapbox.

in modern western economies, not as many

[attrayant]

In countries where it is illegal to own a gun there are still gun deaths.

6,025 of them?

[hawker9000]

This shooter was licensed by the State of Florida and employed by a security company. Gun bans would have had absolutely no effect on this individual's access to weapons. None. What WOULD have had some effect are comments by his co-workers that he was unhinged and unstable, his Taliban-supporter dad's insistence that he was just a wonderful son notwithstanding, had the employer simply listened and reacted responsibly. But the co-worker comments were dismissed by the security company for fear of being found to be "anti-Muslim".

9/11, Boston Marathon, Fort Hood, San Bernardino, the underwear bomber, Charlie Hebdo, "home-grown" radicals, ISIS recruits from throughout the west, etc., etc., etc., and now Orlando... How much of this has to keep happening before we get it?

Edited June 14, 2016 by hawker9000

[AYJAYDEE]

This shooter was licensed by the State of Florida and employed by a security company. Gun bans would have had absolutely no effect on this individual's access to weapons. None. What WOULD have had some effect are comments by his co-workers that he was unhinged and unstable, his Taliban-supporter dad's insistence that he was just a wonderful son notwithstanding, had the employer simply listened and reacted responsibly. But the co-worker comments were dismissed by the security company for fear of being found to be "anti-Muslim".

9/11, Boston Marathon, Fort Hood, San Bernardino, the underwear bomber, Charlie Hebdo, "home-grown" radicals, ISIS recruits from throughout the west, etc., etc., etc., and now Orlando... How much of this has to keep happening before we get it?

youre never going to get it

[thaihome]

TH

[williamgeorgeallen]

all pointless talk. banning firearms with pistol grips, sliding stocks and other features that makes them assault weapons does nothing. to late for banning standard and high capacity magazines in the states now as it is awash with them. more stringent background checks, people will just buy privately as there are approximately 300 million firearms already in circulation in america. how to fix this problem?, i dont know and it seams no one else does either. would seem needing a firearms licence to own firearms would be a good start to trying to keep the firearms in only law abiding citizens hands. would require heavy sentences handed down to those who illegally hold firearms. should improve business for the private prison system in the states as well.

[bassman]

The Liberals are after our guns, they want to disarm us so there will be no opposition in the future. From King George's time (the basis of the 2nd amendment) to those democrat/socialist like Hitler, Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot, it was their goals likewise to quickly disarm the populace.

Clinton is a serious threat to the 2nd Amendment period. MSM is trying to spin it that Hillary is only talking about assault rifles, the witch and MSM get another BS flag.

If the Obama administration was serious about reducing gun crime they would get off the butts of the inner city cops. The big cities are the source of most gun violence death. Obama and his democratic mayors are standing by why inner city shootings are up 70% this year alone in many places.

[mopar71]

Yes...gun private gun ownership is legal in the United States...so what news is this hysterical AP reporter trying to report?

What hysteria? In the first 13 days of this month, there have been 17 Mass Shootings in the United States. 16 of them were not carried out by a Muslim. So far this year there have been 138 Mass Shootings. There have been 23,469 gun related incidents and 6,025 deaths this year, up until 13th June 2016.

Can you break that down by city and race?

[mopar71]

The Liberals are after our guns, they want to disarm us so there will be no opposition in the future. From King George's time (the basis of the 2nd amendment) to those democrat/socialist like Hitler, Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot, it was their goals likewise to quickly disarm the populace.

Clinton is a serious threat to the 2nd Amendment period. MSM is trying to spin it that Hillary is only talking about assault rifles, the witch and MSM get another BS flag.

If the Obama administration was serious about reducing gun crime they would get off the butts of the inner city cops. The big cities are the source of most gun violence death. Obama and his democratic mayors are standing by why inner city shootings are up 70% this year alone in many places.

Excellent post.

Non-Americans and ignorant but well-meaning liberals alike should memorize it.

[piewarmer]

I suppose a mass killing at an NRA convention might have a big influence.

[Pimay1]

I suppose a mass killing at an NRA convention might have a big influence.

I doubt that will happen as the NRA doesn't hold meetings in the "gun free" zones where these shootings are taking place.

[AYJAYDEE]

I suppose a mass killing at an NRA convention might have a big influence.

I doubt that will happen as the NRA doesn't hold meetings in the "gun free" zones where these shootings are taking place.

who mentioned guns?

[Steely Dan]

It didn't take long for progressives to try and pass off the largest mass shooting of civilians in U.S history as a gun control issue in spite of the murderer swearing allegiance to ISIS and shouting out religious justification for his murders whilst carrying them out.

Had he drove a car into a group of people whilst shouting Allahu Akbar would it be considered a road safety issue? Would progressives sagely point out the number of road deaths due to vehicular jihad was tiny compared to the total?

You could enact the most draconian gun laws and still have a giant jihad problem and this cynical diversion could not be better designed to take the spotlight away from where it really needs shining.

[AYJAYDEE]

It didn't take long for progressives to try and pass off the largest mass shooting of civilians in U.S history as a gun control issue in spite of the murderer swearing allegiance to ISIS and shouting out religious justification for his murders whilst carrying them out.

Had he drove a car into a group of people whilst shouting Allahu Akbar would it be considered a road safety issue? Would progressives sagely point out the number of road deaths due to vehicular jihad was tiny compared to the total?

You could enact the most draconian gun laws and still have a giant jihad problem and this cynical diversion could not be better designed to take the spotlight away from where it really needs shining.

yeah, you might as well make it as easy as possible for your crazies!!

[Bench499d]

In countries where it is illegal to own a gun there are still gun deaths.There have also been mass stabbings, not to mention bombings. Where there is a will there is a way. Unfortunately this subject always makes for a good soapbox.

Please tell us which country has had a mass stabbing? Can't imagine 1 person stabbing 50 people to death....

[Pinot]

I suppose a mass killing at an NRA convention might have a big influence.

I seriously doubt it. When you live in constant fear of the liberals coming to take your guns nothing can penetrate that wall of paranoia.

[halloween]

As a semi-auto gun owner, before they were made illegal in Oz, I can understand the pro-gun views. OTOH I can see only one possible use for a 50 round drum magazine semi-auto shotgun. Could we agree that they would be worthy of a ban, or would it infringe someone's "rights"?

One small step for man................

[KMartinHandyman]

I think we should ban all pressure cookers too. That'll show those would be copycat Boston Bombers!

[halloween]

In countries where it is illegal to own a gun there are still gun deaths.There have also been mass stabbings, not to mention bombings. Where there is a will there is a way. Unfortunately this subject always makes for a good soapbox.

Please tell us which country has had a mass stabbing? Can't imagine 1 person stabbing 50 people to death....

Rwanda?

[KMartinHandyman]

Next we have to make rental trucks,ammonium nitrate and diesel fuel illegal. That'll show those would be Oklahoma City bombers.

[KMartinHandyman]

A little late but we have to outlaw all letters and postal deliveries because that show those would be Ted Kaczynski aka unabombers.

[KMartinHandyman]

We'll have to start using outhouses again because it's high time we banned all pipes so that the would be Eric Robert Rudolphs aka the "Olympic Park Bomber" will know we mean business!

[elgordo38]

Ergo the shootings will continue.

[Steely Dan]

It didn't take long for progressives to try and pass off the largest mass shooting of civilians in U.S history as a gun control issue in spite of the murderer swearing allegiance to ISIS and shouting out religious justification for his murders whilst carrying them out.

Had he drove a car into a group of people whilst shouting Allahu Akbar would it be considered a road safety issue? Would progressives sagely point out the number of road deaths due to vehicular jihad was tiny compared to the total?

You could enact the most draconian gun laws and still have a giant jihad problem and this cynical diversion could not be better designed to take the spotlight away from where it really needs shining.

yeah, you might as well make it as easy as possible for your crazies!!

Yes, immigration policy and restrictions on the FBI stopping them looking for religious motivations do indeed make it easy for them.

[helpisgood]

The Liberals are after our guns, they want to disarm us so there will be no opposition in the future. From King George's time (the basis of the 2nd amendment) to those democrat/socialist like Hitler, Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot, it was their goals likewise to quickly disarm the populace.

Clinton is a serious threat to the 2nd Amendment period. MSM is trying to spin it that Hillary is only talking about assault rifles, the witch and MSM get another BS flag.

If the Obama administration was serious about reducing gun crime they would get off the butts of the inner city cops. The big cities are the source of most gun violence death. Obama and his democratic mayors are standing by why inner city shootings are up 70% this year alone in many places.

Excellent post.

Non-Americans and ignorant but well-meaning liberals alike should memorize it.

Uncle Sam doesn't need its military to exert its control over its own citizenry. It's much easier to do it financially, especially with the ill-informed electorate consistently voting against their own interests (See H. L. Mencken).

And, what are you going to do about it when they have the largest and best equipped 21st century technological war machine in the world? These are not the redcoats.

PS, I doubt HRC cares about taking away your guns. She's just once again pandering to the electorate (yeah, no surprise there). As long as Clinton, Inc. is raking in the bucks, you can play minuteman all day long.

[KMartinHandyman]

Now the French need to confiscate all knives after 2 police were stabbed to death. That'll stop the Muslim copycat killers.