By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
By now, the grim reality of last week’s midnight massacre in Aurora, Colorado has finally set into the national consciousness. Granted many of the facts and ultimate motivation for this heinous act remain unclear, but one thing is certain at this particular point: the suspect, James E. Holmes, willingly enter into a crowded movie theater armed with a loaded assault weapon, and then proceeded to open fire on the innocent patrons gathered there.
Much of the media coverage has been single-focused on the fact that the suspect stockpiled a 6,000-round arsenal legally and easily over the internet. In addition, Holmes bought an assault rifle and shotgun, bulletproof vests and other tactical gear, and a highcapacity “drum magazine” large enough to hold 100 rounds and capable of firing 50 or 60 rounds per minute. The firepower, in total, cost roughly $3,000 at online sites.
In Colorado and across much of the United States, the markets for ammunition – online and in storefronts – are largely unregulated. So Mr. Holmes was able to buy the ammunition without arousing the slightest suspicion from law enforcement officials, even usually large purchases. And neither Colorado nor federal law required him to submit to a background check or register his growing purchases.
True enough, the unfettered sale of ammunition via the internet or at storefronts is a definite cause for concern. But lost in this discussion, in my view, is the question whether assault weapons have any real social utility? And if not, should they be banned?
There is no disputing this fact — assault weapons are designed primarily for one purpose: to kill and maim a large number of adversaries in little or no time. Clearly, these weapons are not conducive for sports hunting or personal safety and hence serve no useful purpose in our society.