The 10-year federal ban on assault weapons expires today. That means firearms like AK-47s, Uzis and TEC-9s can now be legally purchased. The 1994 ban, signed by President Clinton, outlawed 19 types of military-style assault weapons. A clause directed that the ban expire unless Congress specifically reauthorized it, which it did not. Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry blasted President Bush today, saying: “He chose his powerful friends in the gun lobby over the police officers and the families he promised to protect.” Republican leaders in Congress said last week they have no plans to renew the 1994 ban on 19 types of military-style assault weapons, even as some law enforcement officials encouraged them to keep the prohibition alive. A Bush-Cheney campaign spokesperson said John Kerry has spent his 20-year Senate career fighting against Second Amendment rights.
Assault Weapons Ban Ends Today: AK-47s, Uzis, TEC-9s Legal
HeadlineSep 13, 2004