The Sandy Hook shooting has opened a broader discussion over gun control and whether there should be tighter restrictions on semi-automatic weapons like the one used by shooter Adam Lanza.
As Columbia Patch points out, citing an article from The Washington Post, current law bans fully automatic assault weapons, but semi-automatic assault weapons are legal, as well as high-capacity magazines.
Since the shooting, Walmart stopped selling online the Bushmaster Patrolman's Carbine M4A3 Rifle, which is in the same family of firearms as the weapon Lanza used, The Huffington Post reports.
Wheaton Patch is reporting that Dick's Sporting Goods has suspended the sale of "modern sporting rifles" at all of its stores.
The shooting has sparked a national gun control debate, and lawmakers already have started to weigh in.
California Sen. Dianne Feinstien has pledged to introduce new gun-control legislation next session, the Los Angeles Times reports. President Obama has said he wants gun laws tightened.
The National Rifle Association, the biggest opponent of gun laws, has suspended some of its social media, including a 1.7 million fan Facebook page
U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) issued a statement on Tuesday calling for a national discussion on gun control:
"... we must discuss the ready access of individuals to weapons. I know there are different views in this Congress. I must tell you that I do not understand why we need to allow access to military-style assault weapons and ammunition. I strongly support Senator Feinstein’s effort to reinstate the expired 1994 ban on assault weapons, including a ban on ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds."
In Virginia, longtime Second Amendment rights supporter Sen. Mark Warner has come out in favor of stricter gun laws, Northern Virginia Patches are reporting.
On the county level, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman said he'd support an assault weapons ban, Columbia Patch reports. Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz echoed a similar sentiment, Towson Patch reports.
---
Speak Out: Should there be tighter restrictions on semi-automatic weapons? A ban? Or do you think stricter laws would infringe on Second Amendment rights?
Please post your comments below this story.
Thank You for reading this. Marvin Nedrow
That said, here is what changed: -- I am even more sickened than usual by politicians who use this as a jumping point to bring up their pet issues. -- I am even more disgusted than usual by the media, who tends to sensationalize the hell out of everything, telling the next crazy that if you do something big, you'll be famous. -- I am saddened and even more disgusted in my fellow humans who don't use rational thinking to realize that this is an isolated incident, and that you're more likely to be killed in a car crash or any number of everyday situations than you are to be by a lone nutjob shooter. -- On top of that, I pretty much hate humanity for our hardwired need to be scared shitless by everything, and watch every piece of disgusting crap that the TV sensationalizes (they wouldn't do it if it didn't bring in ratings!) and vote for pandering politicians year after year, on all sides of the fake aisle. With the exception of people directly affected by this tragedy, screw everyone. Yes, this is news, as are the revolts in Syria, European debt crisis, infrastructure funding (or lack thereof), and any number of good things you never actually hear about at the expense of fearmongering.
Among other things, Maryland requires regulated firearms (i.e., handguns and so-called "assault weapons") to be registered, imposes a 7-day waiting period prior to taking possession of a purchased or transferred regulated firearm, and prohibits sale or transfer of regulated firearms to any person who has been convicted of a disqualifying crime, is addicted to drugs, suffers from a mental disorder and has a history of violent behavior against himself or another, has been confined to a facility for more than 30 days for the treatment of a mental disorder, is visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or has not completed a certified firearms safety training course or otherwise has not met the standards of the Police Training Commission. These are good, common-sense requirements that I support.
The Second Amendment is not about hunting or collecting antiques. Those who would try to control the populace will first want to disarm free citizens - and will use any senseless shooting as a pretext to do so. The best protection against terrorists, common criminals, and deranged individuals is an armed citizentry with the ability to return fire.