President Trump announced Tuesday his intention to ban the sale of bump stocks in the United States.
“We can do more to protect our children. We must do more to protect our children,” Trump said at a Medal of Valor awards ceremony honoring first responders on Tuesday.
Bump Stocks Response
Here’s a part of the transcript of what Trump said regarding bump stocks below:
“… after the deadly shooting in Las Vegas, I directed the attorney general to clarify whether certain bump stock devices like the one used in Las Vegas are illegal under current law. That process began in December, and just a few moments ago, I signed a memorandum directing the attorney general to propose regulations to ban all devices that turn legal weapons into machine guns. I expect that these critical regulations will be finalized, Jeff, very soon.
“The key in all of these efforts, as I said in my remarks the day after the shooting, is that we cannot merely take actions that make us feel like we are making a difference, we must actually make a difference. We must move past cliches and tired debates and focus on evidence-based solutions and security measures that actually work and that make it easier for men and women of law enforcement to protect our children and to protect our safety.
“In the aftermath of this evil massacre, our spirits have been lifted by the accounts of bravery, at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school, coaches, teachers, students, law enforcement officers, and others who have shown us that the forces of love and courage are always stronger than the forces of evil and hate. It’s this truth that brings us together today.”
Bump stocks weren’t used in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. last week, which killed 17 people. However, they were used in the Las Vegas shooting back in October. The Vegas shooting claimed the lives of nearly 60 people and injured more than 500.
As we previously reported, the Department of Justice is currently in the midst of determining the legality of bump stocks.
“The Department understands this is a priority for the President and has acted quickly to move through the rulemaking process,” DOJ spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said in a statement after Trump’s comments on Tuesday. “We look forward to the results of that process as soon as it is duly completed.”
Minimum Age Rifle Buys
Bump stocks weren’t the only issue surrounding firearms to receive attention yesterday. At a press briefing, the possibility of raising the minimum age for rifle buys was broached. The shooter in Parkland, Fla., who is 19 years old and used a legally purchased AR-15 to commit the horrific act.
“I know there are currently laws in place in certain states that restrict that,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in response. “In terms of whether or not we make that federal policy, that hasn’t yet been determined.”
When pressed, Sanders hinted at more.
“I think that’s certainly something that’s on the table for us to discuss, and that we expect to come up over the next couple of weeks,” Sanders said.
Later on Tuesday night, Trump took to Twitter to signal his support for “strengthening” background checks.
Whether we are Republican or Democrat, we must now focus on strengthening Background Checks!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2018
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