The weapon used in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania was an AR-15 rifle.
The AR-15 has a notorious reputation as it was used in many mass shooting incidents. This recent incident has sparked a gun control discussion and is speculated to be a key topic for this year’s election.
The initials stand for ArmaLite, the manufacturer, and the rifle was designed in the late 1950s. This affordable, lightweight rifle with minimal recoil is commonly used for hunting. With an average price of $800, it is easily available. The gun can be purchased simply by showing one’s ID and criminal record; however, it is known that such a step is often skipped. According to a 2022 survey by The Washington Post, one in every 20 Americans owns an AR-15.
This rifle has been used in various mass shootings. It was used in the 2017 Las Vegas casino shooting, the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, killing 60 people. It was also used in the infamous 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The shooter fired 154 rounds in just a few minutes, killing 20 children and six workers.
Whenever a gun control issue arises, the AR-15 inevitably becomes a topic of discussion. The problem of gun ownership is likely to become a key topic in this year’s presidential elections. The Democrats have long argued for strict regulation on various semi-automatic rifles, including the AR-15. Conversely, Republicans, including Trump, have argued for freedom of gun ownership.
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