Hillary Clinton is calling for the reinstatement of the federal assault weapons ban following a shooting at an Orlando nightclub that left 49 people dead and 53 more injured.
“I think we’ve got to get back to common-sense safety reform. You can’t fall into the trap that was set up by the gun lobby that says if you can’t stop every shooting and every incident, you should not try to stop any,” Clinton told CNN on Monday. “We did have an assault weapons ban for 10 years, and I think it should be reinstated.”
Clinton also pointed out the lax gun laws in Florida, which allowed gunman Omar Saddiqui Mateen to legally purchase both a handgun and an assault rifle in the days leading up to the attack.
“Florida doesn’t regulate assault weapons, or .50-caliber rifles, or large capacity ammunition magazines,” she said. “It doesn’t require a permit to purchase a gun. It doesn’t require any registration whatsoever.”
Finally, Clinton was asked if she supported the individual right to bear arms, as affirmed by the 2008 Supreme Court decision in District of Columbia v. Heller.
“I believe law-abiding responsible Americans have the right to bear guns, but I also believe with the vast majority of Americans that there are common sense, constitutionally permissible steps that we can take to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and terrorists while respecting the Second Amendment,” she said.
Massacre in Orlando: A Timeline of Terror (Photos)
Orlando terror suspect Omar Mateen in an undated photo. He is the gunman behind the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, which claimed 50 lives.
Orlando Police Department
Mateen entered Pulse, a popular LGBT night club with an intent to kill. Around 2 a.m., he began shooting patrons with an assault rifle.
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About 20 minutes into the shooting, Mateen placed a 911 call pledging allegiance to ISIS and referencing the Boston Marathon bombers. First responders arrived on the scene to find carnage inside and outside the club.
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Around 5 a.m., authorities broke down a wall and exchanged gunfire with Mateen, who had taken hostages. Mateen was killed.
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During a morning press conference, Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer amended the casualties from 20 to 50. Thirty-nine (including Mateen) were found dead at the club, two died outside, and nine died en route to the hospital. Fifty-three were injured.
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Pulse remained an active crime scene Sunday as authorities worked to identify the victims.
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Authorities descended upon Mateen's apartment Sunday afternoon to collect evidence and find a motive behind the shooting.
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A bomb squad was also brought in to sweep for explosives.
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Family and friends of the victims continue to await word. Authorities have yet to notify many next of kin.
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Omar Mateen killed 50 people in the deadliest mass shooting in American history
Orlando terror suspect Omar Mateen in an undated photo. He is the gunman behind the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, which claimed 50 lives.