National Rifle Association spokeswoman Dana Loesch said Thursday that her organization is behind background checks and making schools more secure, but said that raising the age limit on guns punishes the wrong people.
“The NRA has always been in support of making sure that states are accurately and fully reporting all of the convictions of those who are prohibited possessors. They have their due process. They go before a judge. They’re either adjudicated mentally unfit, [or seen as] a danger to themselves, or others,” Ms. Loesch said on Fox News.
She said it’s important that everyone still receive their “due process” and that those who do not abide by the laws, or are seen as dangerous, then lose their Second Amendment privilege. She did push back on raising the age requirement to obtain a weapon like an AR-15, however, saying it punishes the wrong people.
“You’re punishing people like I was when I was 20 years old living on my own. You’re punishing the 19-year-old deer hunter who is just looking forward to deer season,” she said.
Part of President Trump proposal to address gun violence includes raising the age requirement to 21 years old for all firearms. He also wants to include expanded background checks and putting armed security in schools, including giving teachers the options to obtain a firearm.
Police said Nikolas Cruz, 19, used his legally purchased AR-15 to fatally shoot 17 people and wound 15 others at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14. He has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder and is being held without bond.
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• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
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