Gun Control Advocacy by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz push for a ban on AR-15s and other firearms they refer to as 'assault weapons' during a joint campaign appearance in Philadelphia. They advocate for universal background checks, red flag laws, and gun control measures.

Gun Control Debate in the Democratic Party

During the September 12, 2019, Democrat debate, Kamala Harris pledged to ban AR-15s via executive action after Joe Biden rejected the idea citing lack of constitutional authority. Harris emphasized the need for action to address gun violence and criticized the inaction of Congress.

Senate Hearing on Assassination Attempt of Former President Donald Trump

Sen. Mazie Hirono criticized the easy accessibility of AR-15s during a Senate hearing on the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. She and Sen. Dick Durbin focused on gun control, while FBI deputy director Paul Abbate remained focused on collecting facts. Critics argue that the focus should be on the individual responsible for the assassination attempt.

Secret Service Perimeter and AR-15 Range Discrepancy

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questions Secret Service chief about the protective perimeter in Butler, Pennsylvania being shorter than the range of an AR-15. Secret Service director resigns after failing to prevent the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Security Failings at Trump Rally in Butler, Pennsylvania

Rep. Maxwell Frost and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for security failings during former President Donald Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Cheatle faced questions about the investigation surrounding the security failings and the Secret Service's response to warnings about a suspicious person at the event.

Criticism of Republican Party on AR-15 Rifle Ban

Novelist Stephen King criticized the Republican Party for rejecting efforts to ban the AR-15 rifle after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump involving the weapon. Tennessee state Sen. London Lamar expressed hope for Republicans to support gun control after the incident.

Maryland School Shooter Andrea Ye

Andrea Ye, a would-be school shooter in Maryland, prefers to go by “Alex” and wrote about killing elementary children. Ye is biologically female but identifies as male. Ye wrote a manifesto detailing plans for a mass shooting. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich expressed frustration over the focus on Ye's transgender identity. AWR Hawkins is a Second Amendment columnist who covered the story.

Colorado House Democrats Pass Assault Weapons Ban Legislation

Colorado House Democrats passed legislation banning the sale of AR-15s and certain 9mm pistols. The bill bans 9mm pistols with threaded barrels and those that accept detachable magazines. It also prohibits semiautomatic handguns of any caliber with a detachable magazine and threaded barrel, as well as those that can be readily modified to accept a detachable magazine.

Gun Control Legislation Supported by U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego supports legislation to ban Arizonans from buying AR-15 rifles, citing his military experience with an M16. He also supports an 'assault weapons' ban and other gun control measures.

Multiple Fatal Shootings in Trenton, N.J., and Falls Township, Pa.

A 26-year-old suspect in Trenton, N.J., killed three people in Falls Township, Pa., before being arrested. The suspect used an AR-15 style rifle in the shootings. Police were able to evacuate all hostages held by the suspect and no injuries were reported among the residents. The suspect faces multiple charges in New Jersey before being returned to Pennsylvania for murder charges.