Trump Publishes New Details About Retaking the Panama Canal
Post-Assad Syrian Christians Rise Up to Celebrate Christmas
Since When Did We Republicans Start Being Against Punishing Criminals?
Taking Another Look At ‘Die Hard’
Former Democratic Presidential Candidate Throws Hat in Ring for DNC Chair
Russia Blamed for Devastating Airline Crash That Killed 38 Passengers Near Ukraine
Protecting the Lives of Murderers, but Not Babies
Wishing for Santa-Like Efficiency in the USA
Texas Woman Arrested and Charged After Authorities Made This Horrifying Discovery
Man Arrested for Attempted Murder After Plowing Car Through Group of People on...
Bill Maher: 'This Is What I F***ing Hate About the Left'
Remember the Man Accused of Murdering Four University of Idaho Students? Well...
Russia Launched an ‘Inhumane’ Christmas Day Attack on Ukraine
Celebrating the Miracle of Redemption
A Letter to Jesus
Tipsheet

Florida Republican Rep Comes Out in Support of Assault Weapons Ban

Florida Republican Rep. Brian Mast has penned an op-ed for the New York Times in which he comes out in support of an assault weapons ban. 

Mast starts his opinion piece by recalling the dozen years he spent in the Army. The war hero, who lost both of his legs in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb detonated below him, obviously always had a firearm on him. In civilian life, he is a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association and he conceal carries a pistol.

Advertisement

Mast uses this context to show he appreciates firearms and how they can serve to protect individuals. But, some firearms simply should not be accessible to civilians, he goes on to argue. One of the firearms he carried with him on the battlefield, he explained, was very similar to the AR-15-style semiautomatic weapon Nikolas Cruz used to kill 17 people in Parkland, FL last week. It should not be available for civilian purchase.

I have fired tens of thousands of rounds through that rifle, many in combat. We used it because it was the most lethal — the best for killing our enemies. And I know that my community, our schools and public gathering places are not made safer by any person having access to the best killing tool the Army could put in my hands. I cannot support the primary weapon I used to defend our people being used to kill children I swore to defend.

While "no" firearm is inherently evil, Mast says, "the rifle of choice for many mass shooters is the AR-15."

He added that he is also supportive of legislation that requires every gun purchaser to have a background check and raising the age limit for certain firearm purchases and ensuring that individuals with a history of mental illness cannot purchase firearms at all.

Advertisement

MSNBC anchor Joe Scarborough commended Mast for the "significant" op-ed.

Meanwhile, in a case of irony, a House Democrat, Rep. Dan Kildee of Michigan, has come out against a ban on semi-automatic weapons.

President Trump offered an alternative solution, saying we need to arm more teachers and security guards in schools.

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Recommended

Trending on Townhall Videos

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement