Rhode Island Democratic Rep. David N. Cicilline introduced an “assault weapons” bill Tuesday that would ban many semi-automatic rifles and pistols from civilian use – including the most popular rifle in the country, the AR-15.
Cicilline’s bill prohibits the “sale, transfer, production, and importation” of “semi-automatic rifles and pistols with a military-style feature that can hold a detachable magazine,” as well as magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds.
No-no “military-style” features on pistols apparently include a threaded barrel and a “second pistol grip.”
On top of that, the legislation bans magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, as well as the sale, transfer, production, and importation of semi-automatic shotguns with pistol grips or detachable stocks.
Cicilline’s bill also names 205 specific firearms that are prohibited, including the AK-47 and AR-15 (the latter of which is already owned by roughly 5 million Americans nationwide).
“Assault weapons were made for one purpose. They are designed to kill as many people as possible in a short amount of time. They do not belong in our communities,” Cicilline declared in a press release accompanying the bill. “I am proud to introduce the Assault Weapons Ban with the support of leaders in law enforcement. It’s on all of us to end this carnage.”
You know, because of how banning guns has always worked out really well in the past.
(Cover Photo: Michael Saechang)