The tragic mass shooting in Pittsburgh last night further illustrates the need for gun control in the United States. Allegheny Police Superintendent Charles Moffatt said in a press conference today that the bullets clips which held 30 bullets purchased by George Sodini to use in his semi-automatic weapons were illegal under the assault weapons ban that expired under pressure from then-President George W. Bush and the National Rifle Association. In other words, had the assault weapons ban still been in effect it would have been much more difficult - and illegal - for Sodini to have purchased the fire power needed to carry out his attacks against women at the LA Fitness Center. Sodini, who took his own life, is clearly responsible for the violence that occurred but President Bush and the NRA also have blood on their hands for allowing people like Sodini to get their hands on dangerous weapons of mass destruction that have no legitimate place in our society. President Obama and Congress must do more to reinstate the assault weapons ban and enact other sensible gun control measures to protect Americans. Religious leaders who want to become more involved in this important issue should visit the website of God Not Guns for additional information.
Related Link: "God, Guns & American Violence: Turning Weapons Into Ploughshares"
