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THE STUDENT CHARGED with the murder of 17 people at his former high school in Florida yesterday was carrying a weapon that’s become known as “America’s gun” – the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.
Nikolas Cruz has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder after 17 people were killed during at the school. The incident was the 17th school shooting in the US in 2018.
When found in a nearby residential area, Cruz was armed with an AR-15 and carrying multiple magazines of ammunition.
The right to bear arms is enshrined in America’s constitution. To some citizens, guns are for protection. To others, they simply stand for killing: there are 33,000 gun-related deaths annually in the United States.
America’s gun
But why does the AR-15 in particular keep appearing in the hands of mass-murderers?
The National Rifle Association (NRA) says that the AR in the AR-15′s name stands for Armalite Rifle, but “could easily be used for America’s Rifle”. And due to the fact this rifle has featured in multiple mass shootings, it is becoming America’s rifle – in a very tragic way.
According to the Gun Owners of America website, the AR-15 was developed in the 1950s, but is today’s “modern sporting rifle”.
It says that while the AR-15-style rifles look like military rifles, they function like other semi-automatic civilian sporting firearms – meaning they fire one round each time the trigger is pulled.
The group says that versions of modern sporting rifles are legal to own in all 50 states, “provided the purchase passes the mandatory FBI background check”.
The rifle is used for hunting, and for target shooting. But it can also be turned into an automatic rifle.
If you want to convert an AR-15 or AK-47 rifle into an automatic weapon, AFP says:
For $40 you can buy a trigger crank, a small device that can be attached to the trigger. It can make the gun fire three or four times with each turn of the crank, significantly faster than using a finger to pull the trigger.
For as little as $99, you can get a bump stock, a spring-loaded stock that, with one pull of the trigger, keeps the weapon firing using its own recoil. It can enable the weapon to fire at a rate of 600 rounds a minute or more.
Trigger cranks and bump stocks are completely legal, and even come with certifications that they do not constitute an illegal conversion of the guns.
The NRA calls the AR-15 America’s most popular rifle, saying it “has soared in popularity amongst gun owners”.
It is customizable, adaptable, reliable and accurate that can be used in sport shooting, hunting and self-defense situations. Civilians can also modify and personalize their AR-15 from carbine-length, stocks, optics, barrels, etc. The AR-15s ability to be modified to your own personal taste is one of the things that makes it so unique.
It says that the makers of the AR-15, ArmaLite Rifle, sold the rights to Colt in 1959. It changed the rifle a little bit, and this version was then adopted by the United States military as a fully automatic M16 rifle.
Colt then developed the semi-automatic AR-15, aimed at civilians. The difference between automatic and semi-automatic firearms is that you have to release the trigger after every shot when you use a semi-automatic. With an automatic, you can keep your finger on the trigger.
The gun is modular too, meaning that owners can buy accessories for the gun to change how it shoots, or how it looks.
This style of gun has been used in multiple mass shootings:
Michael Skolnik / TwitterAurora: AR-15
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) November 6, 2017
Orlando: AR-15
Las Vegas: AR-15
Sandy Hook: AR-15
Umpqua CC: AR-15
San Bernardino: AR-15
Sutherland Springs: AR-15
In Las Vegas, the shooter Stephen Paddock was able to modify his AR-style rifle into an automatic shooter. Nearly 60 people at an outdoor concert were killed, and 500 injured, as a result.
The families of Sandy Hook victims have been to court over the use of the AR-15 Bushmaster, as they want to hold its makers liable for wrongful death and negligence. But so far they have not been successful in their attempt.
The families say 20-year-old killer Adam Lanza would never have been able to carry out his 264-second attack if he had not had access to a high-capacity weapon which had been “specifically engineered” for military use in combat, AFP reports.
In 2014, Hillary Clinton called for a ban on assault rifles like the AR-15. But President Donald Trump hasn’t made any moves towards tackling America’s notorious gun laws – instead of talking about the ubiquitous weapon in yesterday’s attack, he focused on the behaviour of the shooter’s neighbours and classmates:
Donald J. Trump / TwitterSo many signs that the Florida shooter was mentally disturbed, even expelled from school for bad and erratic behavior. Neighbors and classmates knew he was a big problem. Must always report such instances to authorities, again and again!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 15, 2018
Teenagers who were in the school during yesterday’s shooting have been joining the calls for gun control in the USA:
carly / TwitterI was hiding in a closet for 2 hours. It was about guns. You weren't there, you don't know how it felt. Guns give these disgusting people the ability to kill other human beings. This IS about guns and this is about all the people who had their life abruptly ended because of guns. https://t.co/XnzhvuN1zd
— carly (@carlynovell) February 15, 2018
To pro-gun supporters and groups like the NRA, the AR-15 is an essential part of homeowners protecting themselves and their families. When they look at such a gun, they see a lightweight and effective piece of equipment that will protect them against terror or other attacks.
But to others, the AR-15 represents danger – it’s a deadly weapon that’s been used in multiple mass murders, which a teenager was able to use to mow down his classmates, and which shows no sign of being curtailed by today’s government.
- Contains reporting from © AFP, 2018
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The make and model of the gun is not to blame. There are semi-automatic rifles everywhere. Ban/ restrict the bump stocks, tighten controls and screen so inappropriate people cannot get them. Restrict the weapons. Background checks and increased waiting times along with doctor sign off will solve a lot of this over there. Will it happen ? Probably not.
@Ciarán FitzGerald: Why the heck would you need a semi-automatic rifle in the first place?
@Ciarán FitzGerald: Spot on. There will be no way to get rid of all the guns. Just as you said, making them harder to get and with checks would be a good start. Real change will only start to happen when the the NRA’s ability to lobby is limited or cut. Real, REAL change will then only happen when there is a cultural shift away from American’s wanting to own guns. My ‘thoughts and prayers’ are that we see this one day.
@Clever Jake: it’s too late to ban all Arms in the USA it would only lead to more deaths, ar 15s and weapons like it though should b banned immediately, also a limit on the amount of personal weapons could be introduced, small steps might make big changes
@Clever Jake: but the nuts are never going to just hand over there GOD given guns it would lead to standoff after standoff, a lot of these guys are hoping that guns are banned because it would reaffirm there already anti government crazed beliefs
@johnp: but if you leave the nuts alone .and have a rolling ban on handguns and assault rifles for anyone in their teens now, so that this year under 20s are barred, next year under 21s, etc. In 70 years they’ll be all gone but the effects will be huge in the next 10 or 20.
@Larissa Caroline Nikolaus: a trained person get off a round every 2 seconds with a bolt action so the fact it semi not as much important as the calibre these weapons they nato calibre rounds ridiculous anyone can just buy them
@Clever Jake: rubbish comment
@Larissa Caroline Nikolaus: that is the problem! Semi autos like the AR15 really should be restricted big time.I have no problem having a hand gun for target shooting or home defense if decent screening was introduced
@Squiddley Diddley: are you for real? That is not workable
@Gus Sheridan: And there’s the crux of the issue, the NRA has gone completely off the rails and see every attempt to even introduce background checks as an infringement on their God given right to bear arms.
There should be a limit as to how many guns one person can own, and semi-automatic weapons shouldn’t be in the hands of civilians.
I get that some rural Americans need a gun for home defence, be it from unsavoury characters or wild animals, but then a normal rifle or a non automatic handgun should do.
@Clever Jake: I participate in a variety of shooting disciplines, from target shooting to deer stalking. Firearms have a legitimate place in society. They should be regulated and restricted to those who can show need and whose probity is beyond reproach. A blanket ban is wrong.
Nothing changed after Sandy Hook, it’s not going to change now.
@Leadóg: Very true. Just keep the dead and believed in our thoughts and prayers.
@White Rabbit: *bereaved
@Leadóg: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/10/04/opinion/thoughts-prayers-nra-funding-senators.html Nothing ever will?
https://www.facebook.com/HaveIGotNewsForYou/photos/a.480809768770138.1073741828.470137386504043/838700502981061/?type=3&theater
@Leadóg: it will only change when the politicians themselves are attacked and not school children, concert and movie goers. That will never happen within their well protected bunkers where they conduct government business.
It’s mind boggling how some Americans think having armed security in schools (putting more access to guns into schools) is a solution to this issue rather than just having tighter gun control or a ban. It worked in Australia so the whole idea of it being impossible is untrue.
@2nd account: ive lived in Australia and I agree 100% with your sentiment , but I have also lived in the USA for a number of years and there is really no comparison to the extent l of gun ownerships , the whole history , constitution and legacy of guns in America is a totally different level , I am sorry to say that it just isn’t that straightforward getting them to a place where it would be like Australia after their gun restrictions – I wish it weren’t so but America is beyond doing anything sensible on guns .
17th school shooting in 2018? What a fecked up society……
@Kerry Blake: 29 mass murder so far, that in 46 days.
@Kerry Blake: much more dying in a single air strike by the America in syria or Afghanistan
@Mark Dawson: I didn’t know America is a war zone and can be compared with areas torn apart by war and civil war
@Larissa Caroline Nikolaus: what I mean is yes a tragedy this happened but because its the so called free western world it makes news much worse happening elsewhere dosent even get a mention I wasn’t by any means having a pop at you or your post was just an observation
Reading the Fox news comments last night its clear to see who is really to blame for this massacare.
Obama, Social Media, Gun Free Zones, Teachers for not being armed, Domocrats, Taking Jesus out of school. Basically everything except guns
@phil: Don’t forget their favourite one ; the banning of school prayer.
There’s feck all sporting about an AR-15.
@Reg: Used to be used in UK for fox control as a semi-automatic before Dunblane shootings – after that they banned it. Restricted to a semi- automatic it was a great job apparently.
Interesting the UK banned it after a mass shooting involving legally held handguns…..
@Reg: my exact thoughts Reg.
@Ciarán FitzGerald: Semi automatic centrefire rifles were banned in the UK after the Hungerford massacre. Handguns were banned after Dunblaine (excuse spelling)
However, semi auto rimfires are allowed and handguns are allowed on special licence for Vets and deer stalkers and those who require one for humane dispatch.
The mass killing of 6 and 7 year olds in Sandy Hook couldn’t convince the government to change the gun laws. At this stage will anything?
@Eimear Varley: Even more worryingly the peoples minds about the “right to bear arms”……..
Off topic but anyway, the RTE producer was due to be sentenced in Leeds a few days ago. Why no word anywhere about what’s going on
@Mean Gene Okerlund: There are guns in Leeds.
@mick curtin: well alrighty then
@Mean Gene Okerlund: heard something about it on the radio. Pretty sure you can look it up if you want to know. The Journal covered his arrest and court appearance.
@Dave O Keeffe: I tried searching but everything is from 4 days ago saying that sentencing was due that day
@Mean Gene Okerlund: Sentencing put back until February 28th.
@Mean Gene Okerlund: ah sorry I just saw. Was me being a dummy. Says sentencing is now on 28th
what hunting needs a weapons like tha?t and if you want to target shoot the weapon should never leave the range
President Donald Trump in the above article says….”so many signs that the Florida shooter was mentally disturbed, etc…Neighbours and classmates new he was a big problem. Must always report such instances to authorities, again and again.”
Victim blaming much? So now it’s the fault of the neighbours and classmates that yet another school shooting occurred.
Report to authorities again and again? And their answer is always the same…until a crime is committed there isn’t anything we can do.
How about instead…the US govt MUST do it’s job and pass common sense gun laws.
I have to agree with tweet sent by Sarah @chaddiedabaddie as quoted in the above article.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch….The group says that versions of modern sporting rifles are legal to own in all 50 states, “provided the purchase passes the mandatory FBI background check”.
Gee FBI…how’s that background checking working for you?
Welcome to Florida…the “Gunshine State”. Welcome to America…”The Place Where We Value Big NRA Lobby Money and Yahoo Mentality More Than We Value Human Life”.
By the way…
The tweet in the article I was referring to…Sarah @chaddiedabaddie….has since been removed from the article. If you want to read it, maybe you can find it on twitter…unless they removed it also. Mmmmm….I wonder why?
@Patty Cullinane: Indeed and very much reflected in their growing armed foreign policy portfolio.
@Patty Cullinane: and now The Journal has taken down Donald Trump’s tweet from the above article…Why?
“Colt then developed the semi-automatic AR-15, aimed at civilians” ___ Bad choice of words.
Jim Jeffries hits the nail on the head
1 lone gunman….220+ million accomplices (must be at least that amount of registered voters in the good ol’ U S of A!!
Nice bit of victim blaming from young Donald
The attitude of Americans towards guns will never change, and losing their favourite gun would be to them, worse than having one of their legs hacked off.
@Ted Murray: your spot on ive a friend lives in south Carolina he has more guns than most women do shoes and he no way give up any them
Part 2
@Ollie Ryan: “I’m a responsible slave owner…” Libtard snowflakes out of control since 1865.
I’m not anti gun, I think America just needs to put better controls on them. I know criminals will still get them. If you can have a gun but not a beer there is a problem there. You should need to prove you have a decent gun safe, because it’s scary how easy kids get access to firearms. There should also be a database that sellers have to check, if a person has a prescription for anti depressants they shouldn’t be able to buy a gun, but that’s impossible. Sorry this is not very coherent just random thoughts
@peter crew: The number of guns available to criminals would be greatly reduced though because unless arms manufacturers are selling them directly to criminals most illegal guns start out legal only to be stolen because those so called “responsible gun owners” can’t seem to keep them locked away safely. Perhaps if a few of them were charged with contributory negligence in some of the crimes committed with stolen firearms people wouldn’t be so inclined to own them in the first place…
No strategy at all to solve the problem. Repeating the same thing and expecting a different outcome is the definition of stupidity.
@Stephen Devlin: And not caring is worse. US politicians don’t care.
Guns dont kill people it people kill people, a fire arm is just metal and springs until put in the hands of a lunatic, ok super relaxed gun laws dont help when comes to the amount of idiots that can arm themselves. Thankful its not a society where I have to live where buying a gun is like shopping for groceries and many gun owners in America own multiple weapons
@Mark: The question that there are a good few countries have more or the same lax gun controls that the US have but don’t have to same carnage, has to be about the society itself. A constant diet of TV and Hollywood shoot ‘em up imagery where blowing everything up and shooting it fixes everything might be a good place to start. As for their historical position with the Constitution it was written for people with muskets so maybe just let them have those then. The reload time is somewhat different on a muzzle loader. Basically US society is sick and them all wanting guns is the recipe for carnage. 33,000 pa gun deaths is not what the Constitution envisaged. They don’t need to be scared of the Russians, NK or IS, they should be scared of themselves.
@Patrick J. O’Rourke: your dead right more Americans die at the hand of fellow citizens than terrorists and 33000 proves that I actually for life of me cant understand myself why its so high especially seen the stiff sentences handed down in the states which obviously is not a deterrent . Mind boggling
@Patrick J. O’Rourke: Complete bullshit beginning to end, that post was. Well done. No western nation’s gun laws are as lax as the US. None. No western nation has close to the gun carnage the US does. None.
@Patrick J. O’Rourke: REally? Which countries have “more or the same lax gun controls that the US have” (sic) and still have lower homicide rates? I’m curious. I can’t think of any.
Sure the Muslim fanatics are sitting laughing at what’s happening in America the republican gun (lobby) fanatics will wipe out the population and the boys won’t have to lift a finger or put themselves at risk. If trump really cared about the American people he would restrict gun ownership and ban anyone under 21 having possession of any lethal weapon unless they are members of a recognised gun club which provides safe storage of all guns etc
IS THIS PART OF THE WAR AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP?
We do not have enough information as yet but given the context this could well be part of the war against President Donald Trump. The children at the school knew about this person and saw him as a threat. There were police security at the school so what were they doing. What precisely is known about this young adult Nikolas Cruz? Where precisely did he get the gun? His home life was very vulnerable and he was depressed, but can a depressed person carry out such a planned attack, with smoke bombs, evading the school police, the alarm etcetera.
Now turn to the political situation. The attack coincided with Oliver Stone, a big supporter of Donald Trump, actually smashing into little pieces the interviewer on the BBC Hard Talk. It centred on the MEMO, which in turn deals with the Dirty Dossier of this ruling elite in the CIA/FBI, who if there is any due justice are going to have many entering prison, including many out of the Obama/Clinton elite, and will not stop there but will go on to deal with the Bush regime, and the damage Bush did to the world in the removal of Saddam. We also include the war on Gadhafi and before that the war on the Serbs. There is a big reckoning due by the American working class. It is in their interests to remove Trump in any way they can, one of these is to create chaos, and stampede big sections of the people against President Trump.
http://trotskyist.org/the-fbi-was-warned-about-the-florida-school-shooter-but-are-the-fbi-behind-this/
@Felix Quigley: Gee, you really are deep in Cadet Bone Spurs behind, I hope your tinfoil hat protects you from his bowel movements
@Felix Quigley: how did he evade the hall monitors?
@Felix Quigley: You are one sick little boy.
There is no federal law on bump stocks in the US. However, bump stocks are not “completely legal” in the US. They are illegal, under State law, in New York, New Jersey, California, and Massachusetts. There are many other states where the legality is doubtful.
When considering gun law in the US, people must realise that any federal gun law, once constitutional, applies to people in all the States. However, States have the power to write gun laws above and beyond those federally mandated…once they are constitutional, of course.
Bump stocks are not “completely legal” in the US.
Does anyone know if Cruz owned the gun legally?
Everyone as a different opinion of sorts here on this issue but in general we all agree that the reckless availability of firearms is crazy ive used firearms most my adult life and explosives and am very comfortable and enjoy been around them but in a controlled professionaly trained responsible environment but would I happily hand them over to prevent needless death ,,absolutely I would firearms seem to define Americans where a firearm is like it or not a tool to do a job and civilians don’t need them tools
Is there an echo !!
Disgraceful and horrible but if the US did give a s**t they would change the constitution!!
As for the far right NRA ” do you know what” not worth repeating myself !!@
@Stephen Moroney: gun and munitions manufacturers along with the tobacco companies are very powerful in the states will never happen they ever change the right to bare arms in the constitution
To use Mr Trumps words. What a sh@th*le
Look at this thing, and AR-15 that some lad can buy. It’s just ridiculous, why isn’t this just ‘not for domestic use’ or whatever, you can’t buy grenades or bombs, why military assault rifles?
America’s Rifle my arse. It’s the IRA’s rifle. Remember the famous strategy, first enunciated back in the 1970s: “An Armalite in one hand and a ballot box in the other”?
Tell the Yanks it is the favoured weapon of a murderous left-wing terrorist outfit and watch sales plummet.
More Guns is clearly the American answer! If everybody in the school was armed then the shooter would have been taken out before he killed 17 people! #NRA
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