Murdoch’s New York Post Calls To Bring Back Assault Weapons Ban In Wake Of Shootings

The New York Post editorial board called for a ban on assault weapons Sunday after two shootings claimed 29 lives this weekend.

The Post, owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, which also owns Fox News, asked President Donald Trump to bring back an assault weapons ban, according to an editorial.

“People all across the nation are scared; many feel like the country is spinning out of control,” editors wrote. “President Trump, you are positioned to assuage that fear. Come up with answers. Now. Beginning with the return of an assault weapons ban.”

The Post, a publication some view as right-leaning, said the ban, which was in place from 1994 until 2004, had “a limited impact” and the label “assault weapons” may not accurately describe a clear class of guns.

Post editors recommended the next ban might be more effective if written clearly with a focus on mechanical functions like muzzle velocity and rate of fire instead of cosmetic design.

The editorial comes in the wake of two mass shootings within 24 hours in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, which killed a total of 29 people.

Trump has not yet mentioned a ban on assault rifles, however, he has called for a number of gun control measures since the shooting.

He tweeted early Monday a proposal for “strong background checks, perhaps marrying … this legislation with desperately needed immigration reform.”

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1158330512341164032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer
He addressed the nation later Monday morning and asked that lawmakers consider a number of solutions including “red flag” early warning protection laws, which would facilitate the confiscation of weapons if someone has been deemed dangerous.

Trump also suggested looking at reforming mental health laws to prevent unstable individuals from having access to firearms.

“Our Founding Fathers gave us the right to bear arms in a time of muskets,” the Post editorial continued.

“They did not foresee a time when one 21-year-old could kill 20 people in the span of minutes thanks to poisonous beliefs and an assault weapon,” it added.