» Turner backs plan to bar the sale of military-style weapons.
— In the wake WASHINGTON of the mass shooting that killed nine in Dayton this weekend, U.S. Rep. Mike Turner said he will back legislation that bars the sale of military-style weapons to civilians.
Turner, in a statement, said he will also support legislation that will limit magazines and “red flag” legislation to take guns away from those police deem dangerous to the community.
“I strongly support the Second Amendment, but we must prevent mentally unstable people from terrorizing our communities with military-style weapons,” the Dayton Republican said in the lengthy statement released Tuesday.
Turner, who has regularly received a 93% rating from the National Rifle Association, voted against two House measures aimed at strengthening the background check system to buy a gun earlier this year, and has generally backed gun rights measures during his nine terms in the House.
Sunday’s mass shooting in the Oregon District hit home. Turner’s daughter was across the street when the shootings occurred. She was not injured, but the gunman managed to fire 41 shots in less than 30 seconds.
“The carnage these military-style weapons are able to produce when available to the wrong people is intolerable,” Turner said.
Turner also called for red-flag laws, saying “too often after mass shootings, we hear there were early warning signs that were ignored.”
High school classmates of the Dayton shooter said he compiled a “hit list” during his time at Bellbrook High School.
Turner’s statement came the same day Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine released a list of measures aimed at fighting gun violence, including support for red-flag laws.
In his statement, Turner said he knew not every shooting could be prevented by the measures he now supports, “but I do believe these steps are essential.”
“This tragedy must become a catalyst for a broader national conversation about what we can do to stop these mass shootings,” he said, adding he will discuss the measures with President Trump during his visit to Dayton today.
‘I strongly support the Second Amendment, but we must prevent mentally unstable people from terrorizing our communities with military style weapons.’
U.S. Rep. Mike Turner