Washington (CNN) — On one side were pegboard panels mounted with various assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons — including a Bushmaster similar to the one used in last month’s Newtown school massacre.
Behind the stage stood police officers supporting a renewed ban on such firepower. One by one, victims of gun violence told their brief stories and expressed support for a new federal ban being proposed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein on some assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons.
Almost six weeks after the Connecticut shooting rampage that killed 20 first graders, Feinstein said she planned to introduce her measure later Thursday, with Reps. Carolyn McCarthy of New York and Ed Perlmutter of Colorado doing the same in the House.
Feinstein’s proposal would upgrade an assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 and also outlaw ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
She said the goal is to “dry up the supply of these weapons over time.”
“These massacres don’t seem to stop,” the California Democrat lamented, listing notorious rampages of past years known by the lone name of their locations — Columbine, Virginia Tech, Aurora, Tucson and Oak Creek.
“We should be outraged at how easy it is” for attackers to get hold of the semi-automatic weapons or large-capacity magazines used in those slaughters, Feinstein told the event at the U.S. Capitol that she organized.
Her legislation is opposed by the nation’s powerful gun lobby, led by the National Rifle Association. That means that despite a push by the White House and Democrats for tougher gun control steps, Feinstein’s full measure is given little chance of winning congressional approval.
In a statement on Thursday, the NRA said that Feinstein “has been trying to ban guns from law-abiding citizens for decades.”
“The American people know gun bans do not work and we are confident Congress will reject Senator Feinstein’s wrong-headed approach,” the organization added.
In a sign of the gun lobby’s influence, a nine-day sports and outdoor show scheduled to take place in Pennsylvania next month was postponed Thursday because the NRA withdrew its support over the decision by organizers to ban the display of “modern sporting rifles” — the kind of semi-automatic weapons targeted by Feinstein’s proposal.
At her Washington event, Feinstein acknowledged that enacting a ban was “really an uphill road,” adding: “If anyone asks if we can win this, the answer is we don’t know, because it’s really uphill.”
She then made a plea for people to call their senators and House members to declare “enough is enough,” adding that a mobilized public is “stronger than the gun lobby.”
Later Thursday, Vice President Joe Biden made a similar appeal in an online discussion on Google, saying: “Make your voices heard.”
He insisted that a reasonable ban on semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines, as well as strengthening background checks, presented no threat to the constitutional right to bear arms.
“It’s not about keeping bad guns out of the hands of good people,” Biden said. “It’s about keeping all guns out of the hands of bad people.”
President Barack Obama called for renewing the assault weapons ban as part of his package of gun control proposals announced earlier this month in response to the December 14 Newtown school massacre and overall gun violence in America.
Feinstein’s measure would stop the sale, transfer, data recovery, importation and manufacture of more than 100 specialty firearms and certain semi-automatic rifles, as well as limiting magazines to 10 rounds or less, she said. Not all of the weapons in the bill meet the technical definition of assault weapons.
The restrictions would not apply to guns owned before enactment of any law. Feinstein noted her proposal exempts from the ban more than 2,000 models used for hunting or sporting purposes.
“They are by make and model exempted from the legislation,” she said, adding that the old ban had 375 such exemptions.
Those exemptions were an apparent effort to garner support for the measure from conservative Democrats and others expected to face fierce lobbying by the NRA and constituents.
Supporters of more gun control acknowledge the constitutional right to bear arms, but argue that rifles capable of firing multiple rounds automatically or semi-automatically exceed the reasonable needs of hunters and other gun enthusiasts.
They also contend that high-capacity ammunition magazines provide the capability for mass shootings such as the Newtown massacre.
Opponents contend the Second Amendment forbids the government from this type of limit on weapon ownership by citizens.
They worry that such a weakening of gun rights would signal a shift that would leave citizens defenseless against criminals and, some also argue, against potential future government tyranny or abuse. Instead, the NRA has called for increasing armed guards at schools to protect students.
Speakers at the event organized by Feinstein rejected arguments that anyone beyond the military or law enforcement officers needed such firepower.
“How are you going to hunting with something like that?” asked Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, pointing to the assault weapons displayed to his left. “You kill something, there’s nothing left to eat.”
Continuing bloodshed on the nation’s streets — with dozens dying every day from gun violence — should be enough evidence to overcome the past inability to get gun control legislation enacted, he argued.
“If the slaughter of 20 babies does not capture and hold your attention, then I give up because I don’t know what else will,” Ramsey continued, thrusting a pointed finger for emphasis.
At Feinstein’s request, people who were injured or lost loved ones to gun violence, including several from the Virginia Tech massacre, then offered their support for her efforts.
Some told of losing a parent or child. Others described how attackers inflicted carnage so quickly.
Pam Simon, a staff member to Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, said she was a few feet away from the congresswoman on the day both were shot outside a Tucson grocery store.
“On that day, 30 bullets were delivered in less than 30 seconds,” Simon said.
Some of the weapons on display Thursday are currently against the law in the District of Columbia, and Democratic sources told CNN that Feinstein coordinated with police on being able to have the guns there.
NBC’s David Gregory was recently investigated for holding a banned ammunition magazine on the network’s “Meet the Press” program broadcast from Washington. No charges were brought in that case.
Obama’s proposals include expanding and strengthening background checks on gun buyers to ensure all sales include screening to prevent weapons from going to criminals and the mentally ill.
While the gun lobby has indicated support for some improvements in background checks, it remains opposed to other steps, saying they won’t prevent criminals from getting weapons.
Instead, gun advocates urge tougher enforcement of existing laws and making criminals serve their full sentences.
Biden led a panel assembled by Obama in December to examine gun control steps after the Newtown shootings, which sparked a fierce public debate over how to prevent such mass killings. Biden’s recommendations formed the basis of the package of proposals Obama announced this month.
A recent CNN/Time Magazine/ORC International poll indicated that Americans generally favor stricter gun control, but they don’t believe that stricter gun laws alone would reduce gun violence.
In announcing his gun control package, Obama also signed executive actions that call for tougher enforcement of existing laws and require federal agencies to provide data for background checks.
New York state recently enacted a series of new gun regulations, the nation’s first since the Newtown shootings. Ten other states are reviewing some form of related action.
The issue is among the most politically divisive in the country, as demonstrated by the decision by Reed Exhibitions to postpone the nine-day Eastern Sport and Outdoor Show scheduled to start February 2 in Harrisburg.
On Tuesday, the NRA withdrew its support for the show due to the decision by organizers to ban modern sporting rifles from exhibition.
“We had called on Reed Exhibitions to reconsider their decision; unfortunately they have steadfastly refused to do so,” an NRA statement said. “As a result, the NRA will not be participating in the upcoming show in Harrisburg or in any other shows hosted by Reed Exhibitions that maintain this policy.”
In announcing Thursday that the show was off, a Reed Exhibitions official said the intent of excluding “certain products” was to focus on hunting and fishing traditions of the event.
“It has become very clear to us after speaking with our customers that the event could not be held because the atmosphere of this year’s show would not be conducive to an event that is designed to provide family enjoyment,” said Chet Burchett, the company’s president for the Americas.
“It is unfortunate that in the current emotionally charged atmosphere this celebratory event has become overshadowed by a decision that directly affected a small percentage of more than 1,000 exhibits showcasing products and services for those interested in hunting and fishing,” he added.
41 Comments to “Feinstein Proposes New Assault Weapons Ban”
January 24, 2013 at 9:05 AM
Molon Labe!
January 24, 2013 at 9:07 AM
Why does Senator Feiinstein herself carry a gun?
January 24, 2013 at 10:40 AM
Great point Carlos!! She use to have a CCW permit and carried a gun to protect herself and now she wants to take that right from other people…..I guess as long as she is safe that's all Feinstein cares about!!
January 24, 2013 at 3:45 PM
And those that don't carry hire armed security guards.
January 24, 2013 at 5:20 PM
A gun for me, but not for thee! This is the same reason why Democrats want to ban guns. Makes it easier for a government takeover.
January 24, 2013 at 9:37 AM
So more words from the fruits&nuts up in sacramento. They just better not come down here. Us gun owners may not let them by.
January 24, 2013 at 10:32 AM
I propsoe a ban on Feinstien!!
January 24, 2013 at 10:53 AM
“I know the sense of helplessness that people feel. I know the urge to arm yourself because that’s what I did. I was trained in firearms. I walked to the hospital when my husband was sick. I carried a concealed weapon and I made the determination if somebody was going to try and take me out, I was going to take them with me,” said Feinstein.
She wants gun reform……
January 24, 2013 at 11:23 AM
But just for the little people.She can do whatever she wants. That's whats so disturbing about this, is the arrogant abuse of power.
January 24, 2013 at 11:49 AM
just another chance to put her face in front of the camera using the victims for her own political gain … how shameful. Use the laws we already have, ban Feinstrein and all her liberal radicals to disarm all Americans.
January 24, 2013 at 11:54 AM
To bad she doesn't have a term limit. Two faces fat arse!
January 24, 2013 at 12:12 PM
They're's nothing fine about that swine.
January 24, 2013 at 1:44 PM
40% of guns sold do not perform background checks on the buyer. These are acquired illegally through online gun sales, gun shows, etc.
January 24, 2013 at 5:22 PM
Dude, do you even know what you are talking about? you can't buy guns online and then get them mailed to you. They are mailed to licensed FFL dealers who perform background checks. Same thing with gun shows.
January 24, 2013 at 7:36 PM
depend on who you buy them from, all have background checks. Except the one Holder sent to mexico.
January 24, 2013 at 8:47 PM
And the source of that 40% statistic is…?
January 25, 2013 at 6:09 AM
"40 percent of all gun purchases are conducted without a background check.” President Obama, remarks on gun violence, Jan. 16, 2013
January 24, 2013 at 9:54 PM
You can get REAL high caliber pellet guns with California super sized clips mailed to you Legally.
January 25, 2013 at 8:37 AM
Does your 40% include the weapons purchased through Operation "Fast & Furious"?
January 24, 2013 at 2:10 PM
Why does this old walrus keep getting re-elected?
January 24, 2013 at 5:24 PM
Because she is a libtard in the libtard capital
January 24, 2013 at 3:36 PM
A LITTLE GUN HISTORY
In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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In 1911, Turkey established gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.
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China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
—- ————- ————-
Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
——————————
Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million. ——————————
You won't see this data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information.
Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect only the law-abiding citizens.
Take note my fellow Americans, before it's too late!
The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind them of this history lesson.
With guns, we are 'citizens'. Without them, we are 'subjects'.
During WW II the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED!
If you value your freedom, please spread this anti gun -control message to all of your friends.
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain.All else is supplemental.
SWITZERLAND ISSUES EVERY HOUSEHOLD A GUN! SWITZERLAND'S GOVERNMENT TRAINS EVERY ADULT THEY ISSUE A RIFLE. SWITZERLAND HAS THE LOWEST GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!
IT'S A NO BRAINER! DON'T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL LAW ABIDING CITIZENS AN EASY TARGET.
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January 24, 2013 at 4:13 PM
Lets all oppose this new legislation the legal way and give her a Pink Slip.
January 24, 2013 at 4:29 PM
(Persians to Spartans): SPATANS, THROW DOWN YOUR WEAPONS…
(Spartans to Persians): PERSIANS, COME AND GET THEM…
January 24, 2013 at 5:57 PM
MOLON LABE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 24, 2013 at 5:19 PM
These guns they want to ban are cosmetic features. They are not "military weapons." They just look like military weapons with the cosmetic features. http://www.youargue.com/index.php?option=com_cont…
January 24, 2013 at 5:35 PM
If the government wanted to round you up they would do it in spite of your guns and your hero fantasy. In the meantime our children are dying which seems to be an okay price for gun extremists to pay for your "right" to play Big Boy Guns with a weapon designed for war. I value human life and a peaceful society over your right to own a weapon of war any day. You will not win this one. Consider earning a university degree or doing something otherwise useful to humanity while you wait for the US Military to turn against its own people. Peace out.
January 24, 2013 at 6:06 PM
Spoken like a true Sac less LIbtard.Looking out for number one. Unwilling to fight for your rights .You don't deserve to have them.Peace out Victim.
January 24, 2013 at 8:49 PM
"In the meantime our children are dying"
Feinstein's grab would do nothing about that.
January 24, 2013 at 6:01 PM
James. if you think Joshua`s bl0g is good, last wednesday I got a great Mercedes after having made $6218 this last 5 weeks and over 10/k this past-month. without a doubt its my favourite work I've had. I actually started eight months/ago and immediately began to bring home at least $77… p/h. I use this great link, http://xurl.es/pon1p
January 24, 2013 at 6:02 PM
as Linda implied I am in shock that a person able to profit $5131 in four weeks on the computer. did you look at this webpage http://xurl.es/pon1p
January 24, 2013 at 6:22 PM
THAT STUPID 100 YEAR OLD B***H !….WONDER IF SHE OPOSES A BAN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BY 3RD WORLD MONGROLS?…WONDER WHERE SHE STANDS ON THAT LAW BEING BROKEN ON A DAILY BASIS BY THE GOV'T OF CA?…………LMAO @ THAT OLD LADY!
January 24, 2013 at 7:48 PM
Feinstein needs to be disarmed and Baned she is mentally unstable & no longer knows what shes doing.OK sister hand it over it's for YOUR own good.Trust me.
January 24, 2013 at 8:31 PM
until I saw the paycheck ov $6738, I have faith …that…my neighbour was like actually receiving money in there spare time at their laptop.. there friend brother has been doing this less than seven months and just now cleard the depts on there home and bourt a great Mercedes. read more at, http://xurl.es/an69x
January 24, 2013 at 8:36 PM
Sept 11 2001 terrorist attacks almost 3000 people killed , not a single gun used
April 19, 1995 , Timothy McVeigh detonates a fertilizer bomb in a Ryder truck that killed 168 people and injured over 800 , not a single gun was used.
Yeah Feinstein you typical hypocritical politician, if people want to kill they will find a way.
Now go clean your gun lady.
January 24, 2013 at 8:46 PM
This bill doesn't go far enough.
When I was in the Army, an essential part of the uniform was cargo pants… the BATTLE dress uniform. Cargo pants should be outlawed for civilian use… nobody needs that many pockets.
And while we're at it, I've been seeing stories the last few weeks about the dangers of subways. Subways need to be banned across the country. If it saves even one life it's worth it.
January 24, 2013 at 11:06 PM
she is an employee of the people .. FIRE HER !!! she works for US !!! not the other way around !!
January 24, 2013 at 11:57 PM
We better better remind her of that next election.
January 24, 2013 at 11:09 PM
by the way… how's the graffiti in California doing since they made every store in California install LOCKS on ALL spray paint cans ………
January 24, 2013 at 11:12 PM
… she is so stupid… 4 planes were brought down and thousands murdered by terrorists criminals using box cutters !!
January 25, 2013 at 2:45 AM
I eat tacos.