Massachusetts AG: Reinstate Federal Assault Weapons Ban

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BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey is calling for the reinstatement of a federal assault weapons ban in the wake of the deadly attack at a gay nightclub in Orlando.

Healey said Monday while the motives of the gunman can be debated, what can’t be denied are the weapons used in the shooting.

Officials say Omar Mateen used an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and a handgun in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Sunday’s attack left 49 victims dead and injured at least 53.

Healey, a Democrat, says Massachusetts is one of seven states and the District of Columbia to have an assault weapons ban, but that’s a piecemeal solution without a federal ban.

An earlier federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004.