US Needs To Follow New Zealand In Banning Assault Weapons - Senator Feinstein

The United States needs to follow the example set by New Zealand after the massacre of at least 50 people praying in two mosques and impose an immediate national ban on the private ownership of assault weapons, US Senator Dianne Feinstein said on Thursday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd March, 2019) The United States needs to follow the example set by New Zealand after the massacre of at least 50 people praying in two mosques and impose an immediate national ban on the private ownership of assault weapons, US Senator Dianne Feinstein said on Thursday.

"To New Zealand and every other country that took steps to reduce gun violence, congratulations," Feinstein said in a statement. "The United States needs to follow these examples and take action to protect Americans from this deadly public health scourge."

Feinstein noted that the United States had experienced since 1999 at least 227 school shootings that killed 143 and left 290 wounded with further massacres in offices, churches, theaters, concerts and malls.

"Without action, our country will continue to face these tragic events over and over again," Feinstein said.

Republicans in Congress have repeatedly blocked every proposal to enact responsible gun safety laws and even though 90 percent of Americans supported universal background checks, even that proposal was routinely opposed, Feinstein added.

The Second Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees the right of Americans to keep and bear arms.