Alabama Republican Rep. Barry Moore generated headlines this week when he unveiled a bill to make the AR-15 rifle America's national gun.
While critics suggest this will further endanger children, Moore says it will send a message about defending rights.
Newsweek reported that Moore announced the legislation on Tuesday, insisting the right to bear arms is on par with other basic constitutional protections.
The #SecondAmendment is as American a right as freedom of speech, religion, & the press.
Today I unveiled my bill to make the AR-15 the National Gun of America. We must send a message that we will meet every attack on any of our constitutional rights. pic.twitter.com/R7Yi6J10nh— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) February 21, 2023
Moore's move brought a predictable reaction from some on the left, with writer, musician, and "practical progressive" P.D. White calling the AR-15 a gun "that turns children into hamburger."
The gun that turns children into hamburger. Great.
— P. D. White (@whitepatrick) February 23, 2023
However, supporters of Moore were quick to respond. California Republican congressional candidate Christina Bish answered White by tweeting, "No, that would be Planned Parenthood, who turns children into hamburger."
Gun rights advocates often point to how the firepower an AR-15 provides can permit a single victim to fend off multiple attackers.
Meanwhile, the AR-15's aluminum receiver and gas impingement operating system reduces its weight and allows for fast follow-up shots, which is part of why it’s popular among hunters and female shooters.
Further, FBI data shows that of the 13,927 homicides America saw in 2019, only 364 were committed using rifles of any kind.
This is far from being the first time that Moore has spoken about gun rights, as last year he opposed a gun bill signed by President Joe Biden. According to Fox News, the legislation incentivized "states to pass red flag laws and expand background checks for 18- to 21-year-olds."
Moore released a statement blasting the legislation, saying, "The most fundamental job of a Congressman is to protect your liberties, and I take that duty incredibly seriously."
"An assault on one constitutional right is an attack on them all, and I will continue doing all I can to fight those seeking to seize power from the people and give it to the government," he added.
