An angry O'Malley calls for an assault weapons ban. (NYT)

[elleng]

Mr. O'Malley is the only candidate so far to call for reinstating an assault weapons ban, a politically charged
topic.

http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/06/19/an-angry-omalley-calls-for-an-assault-weapons-ban/?_r=0

[bluestateguy]

1. Did Roof use an assault weapon?

And who will decide what constitutes an assault weapon?

[Recursion]

5. No, and whoever writes the law decides. I wish this zombie would die

Handguns. Handguns are what kills people. We really need to give up on this bad idea of regulating what rifles can look like.

[BainsBane]

2. Good for him

[SunSeeker]

3. Sad statement on the US that calling for an assault weapons ban is a "politically charged topic." nt

[Recursion]

6. What's sad is that democrats keep doing it

It's bad law and bad politics. Handguns are the problem. Lack of background checks for private transfers are the problem. Stop trying to change how rifles look.

[SunSeeker]

9. Bullshit. An assault weapon has no legitimate purpose in civilian hands.

It's sells because of the childish fantasy of being Rambo fighting off the gubmint. Or a couple dozen 6 year olds.

[Recursion]

10. Fine. Change the shape of rifles' grips. I don't really care

I just have no idea how otherwise intelligent people pour so much energy into how a rifle is shaped rather than who can buy a handgun.

[SunSeeker]

12. We must do both.

It's not just about looks or grip. It's the ability to use 100 round magazines, larger bullets and cooling barrels so you can shoot rapid fire nonstop. The things are made to mow down a lot of people in an instant. They have no business in civilian hands. Assault Weapons Bans work.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2012/12/17/everything-you-need-to-know-about-banning-assault-weapons-in-one-post/

And we did prioritize creating a universal background check law. Obama threw all his political weight into that effort after Sandy Hook, and had 90% of Americans behind him. But the idiot Republicans who feed at the trough of the NRA blocked it. And so we continue to have mass killings and daily gun deaths...and the terror that produces.

[Recursion]

17. No, the AWB is about none of those things

I get that you really honestly think it is, which is what makes this so frustrating.

[Recursion]

4. Gah no no NO we need to forget this horrible idea

Background checks for all purchases and transfers. Focus like a laser on this. Stop going down the rabbit hole of the angle of a grip and the presence of a bayonet lug.

[kelly1mm]

7. Agree about the AWB but Roof passed his background check to buy his weapon - not that

you were claiming they were directly linked.

[SheilaT]

8. Assault weapons ban?

How about just taking the guns away. They did in Australia.

As far as I'm concerned, every single person who wrings his hands and says, this most recent mass shooting is a shame, and who does not support taking guns away, is a fucking hypocrite.

[elleng]

15. Yes. but few will.

He received this gun as a GIFT, from his FATHER!

[Yo_Mama]

11. Roof used a pistol, and had to keep reloading - this is not a very rational response.

Mind you, I like O'Malley, but this isn't that great a tack to take IMO.

None of the "targets" of gun control initiatives (large magazines, "assault weapons", etc) would be relevant to this particular tragedy.

[aikoaiko]

13. Typical, a tragedy happens and someone proposes a gun law wouldn't address the trajedy, but does

so in the name of that tragedy (at least so far as I can judge given reports).

When will those who seek gun restrictions learn that this strategy is a failed one.

If they want to be taken seriously, they should probably wait to find out the details of what gun was used, in what configuration, and how the shooter obtained it before calling for new laws.

[beevul]

14. Thats makes far too much sense...

Thats makes far too much sense to ever be considered by...well...the people that continue to engage in the failed strategy you so aptly and accurately described.

[roamer65]

16. If you really want to control guns, it needs to be done from the ammunition side.

Strict controls and federal licensing for anyone buying ammunition. Include in that law limits on the amount purchased in each transaction and time limits in between purchases. Transfer or sale to anyone else of your ammo should be a felony, with no grandfathering of old ammo. Perfect job for ATF. If you black market ammo, 20 years minimum.