Senators Push for Law to Raise Assault Weapon Buying Age to 21
A group of 19 U.S. senators is taking action to raise the age limit for purchasing assault weapons, in response to the growing number of mass shootings. The proposed bill, called the "Age 21 Act," would raise the minimum age for buying assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21. This is similar to the current law for purchasing handguns from licensed dealers.
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine is one of the senators supporting the bill. He points out that young individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most tragic school shootings in U.S. history, including the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which claimed 17 lives.
Kaine believes this law would make a difference in reducing gun violence. "Everyone in America should be able to live free from the fear of injury or death caused by a firearm," he said. "One step we can take is to limit young people's access to assault weapons—just like we do with handguns."
Studies show that shootings involving assault weapons or large-capacity magazines result in twice as many deaths compared to incidents involving other types of firearms.
The bill is supported by several organizations, including March for Our Lives, United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety.
“Six of the deadliest mass shootings since 2018 were committed by individuals 21 and under. The Age 21 Act could have saved lives, and it will continue to do so if it becomes law,” said Alexa Browning from March For Our Lives.
Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) is leading the bill, with 17 other senators joining as co-sponsors. They include Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
