Every time some sort of mass shooting occurs, anti-gunners rush to call for stricter gun control laws. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the FBI are still investigating the shooting that took place earlier today at the Chabad of Poway Synagogue, just outside of San Diego. We don't even know all of the facts yet, but from what we do know, gun control laws anti-gunners want to push are either already on the books or would have made no difference.
Here are some of the gun control calls (so far):
The Poway mayor said today’s shooting at a synagogue was a hate crime. Hatred and lax gun laws are a deadly combination. Ending gun violence in America - like in Pittsburgh and Poway - will take more than empty words: we need action. pic.twitter.com/4t4NoF0Di8
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) April 27, 2019
Another horrific shooting at a place of worship, today at the Poway Synagogue in San Diego County. We must work every day to eradicate all forms of hatred and bigotry, and take serious action to protect Americans from gun violence.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 27, 2019
Yet again a place of worship is the target of senseless gun violence and hate. Anti-Semitism is real in this country and we must not be silent - enough is enough. My heart aches for the Chabad of Poway synagogue and the Jewish community.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 27, 2019
Houses of worship are supposed to be safe havens in our communities. However, with unrestricted weaponry in America, they are no longer. Mourning those lost today in Poway, CA and praying for those who have been injured. We will honor them with action.
— Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) April 27, 2019
We have a hate problem in America. We have a gun problem in America. It’s time to look ourselves in the mirror and fix both. https://t.co/tQLszrKW7I
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) April 27, 2019
Heartbroken to hear of the San Diego synagogue shooting, particularly so on this final day of Passover.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) April 27, 2019
We have a responsibility to love + protect our neighbors.
The longer the Senate delays holding a vote on #HR8, the more we put Americans at risk.https://t.co/ef9FURMFQ5
This is what we know, as of now:
The gunman is 19-years-old and he used an AR-15 style platform. We have no idea how many rounds he used, how many rounds his rifle held or how he obtained the firearm.
Former California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) last year signed a bill that raised the age to purchase a long gun from 18 to 21. The gunman is 19, meaning he obtained the firearm illegally. Remember: the situation is fluid and we still don't know if he stole the gun, bought it off the black market or if it was a straw purchase.
The bill Ocasio-Cortez references, HR 8, would establish "universal background checks," meaning every firearm transaction would require a background check. Private party transfers (PPTs), which typically takes place between family and friends, would also require that background check. The gunman would not be allowed to legally have this long gun because he is under 21, even if he obtained it through a PPT. The only exception California makes for 18 to 20-year-olds to own firearms is if he or she is in the Armed Forces or a member of law enforcement.
Others continue to say an AR-15 is an "assault rifle," which is not the case. AR stands for "Armalite Rifle," the company that originally made the firearm. An "assault rifle" is a firearm that is fully automatic, meaning it can fire every round in the magazine with a single trigger pull. An AR-15 is a semi-automatic, meaning one round fires for every pull of the trigger.
Definitions matter here.
Fully automatic firearms are illegal. Semi-autos are not.
California has some of the most stringent gun control laws on the books and this attack still happened, just like the attack in San Bernardino took place. What does that tell you about things? Those with hate in their heart and the desire to commit a heinous crime don't care if something is illegal.