Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who recently entered the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, laid out new controversial gun control proposals on Friday that include requiring Americans to obtain a permit to buy guns and an outright ban on so-called “assault weapons.”
Bloomberg, founder of the global news organization that bears his name, has poured millions into gun control pushes in recent years. In his , Bloomberg said he has a “track record of taking on” the National Rifle Association (NRA) “and winning.”
“Mike’s candidacy is about getting things done,” it added.
“That’s why he has offered a new gun safety policy proposal aimed at stopping the epidemic of gun violence in America,” the campaign noted about the plan.
“This comprehensive gun safety policy includes five key pillars designed to create an effective background checks system, keep guns away from people who pose a danger to themselves or others, protect young people in schools and Americans in their homes, tackle daily gun violence in the hardest-hit communities, and confront the gun industry head-on.”
The former NYC major said in one of the strictest gun control proposals of any 2020 candidate that he would require everyone who wants to buy a gun to obtain a permit first before the purchase through a combination of federal and state programs.
His campaign noted that 11 states already do require buyers to obtain a permit first before obtaining new handguns.
The plan also calls for a mandatory 48-hour waiting period before buying a gun.
Popular among many 2020 Democrats, Bloomberg’s plan also calls for banning semi-automatic rifles that resemble military weapons as well as “high-capacity magazines.”
Other portions of the proposal include formally declaring “the gun violence crisis to be a public health emergency,” appointing a White House gun coordinator, and passing a federal “red flag law” allowing local law enforcement to request that a judge grant them the ability to seize guns from people thought to be a danger to themselves and others by friends or relatives.
“Mike would expand this system across the country—by opening federal courts nationwide to these petitions,” the plan states.
Bloomberg talked about his plan Thursday in Aurora, Colorado, near a mass shooting site.
“I promise you I will never back down from this fight,” he told the audience. “That’s the kind of president this country needs and you deserve.”
The NRA criticized the speech as an “anti-gun rant.”
“He doesn’t believe gun ownership is a constitutionally protected right, and if elected, he’ll make sure you have to ask his permission before you can defend yourself,” said the group, which advocates for gun ownership rights and other gun-related issues.
Mr. Bloomberg. I am gun owner who has 3 pistols, 2 shotguns and a.22 caliber rifle. These firearms were acquired over my life time of over 71 + years. I used to be pheasant hunter but now I just go to the firing range. It is a hobby I really enjoy. I disagree with your idea of a national gun registration. That is matter for the individual states to decide.
An assault weapons sounds wonderful but with all the weapons that are out there the ban it will not cure the problem. When I go to the target range I see many of your so called assault weapons. Those owners are not there practicing for a mass shooting. They have those weapons because they like the fun of shooting at a target 200 yards away. The idea that the only purpose for owning an AR-15 or an AK-47 is just plain stupid. I am all for very strong background checks and I don’t mind a reasonable waiting period for purchasing.a gun. I can’t see any reason why a hunter, recreational shooter or a collector would need a gun right now.. You are person from a very large city who I am sure does not have of how the rest of the country lives. By the way as a US citizen and yes the 2nd amendment does give me the right to own a weapon.
Sincerely,
Roger L. Miller
Incline Village, NV