This is how easy it is to get a gun in Las Vegas
We’re still trying to make sense of last night’s horrific mass shooting at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Right now, 50 people are confirmed dead and over 400 are injured. As the facts — and, unfortunately, the misinformation — continue to pour in, it’s important to examine what we do know. And we can start with Las Vegas’s gun laws.
Nevada has some of the most relaxed gun laws of any state in the U.S.
In fact, the Nevada state constitution fiercely protects firearm ownership. The National Rifle Association’s website states that Nevada law does NOT require residents to obtain a permit or a license to purchase a firearm. The law also does NOT require residents to register most firearms. Additionally, there’s NO limit to the number of firearms an individual can posses, and open carry IS legal without a permit.
“Every citizen has the right to keep and bear arms for security and defense, for lawful hunting and recreational use and for other lawful purposes, the NRA’s website reads.
The state also doesn’t restrict the sale or possession of machine guns or other automated assault weapons.
The guns just have to be registered. Previously, the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban made these types of weapons illegal. But the legislation expired in 2004 and has not been renewed.
Chilling footage captured last night suggests that the shooter used multiple automatic assault weapons during the attack. In the distance, you can hear many shots fired off quickly, one after the other.
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President Trump offered his condolences after the shooting but did not immediately call for any action or legislation. According to Newsweek, on his 100th day in office, Trump gave a speech to the NRA siding with gun owners.
“You have a true friend and champion in the White House, Trump said in the speech. “No longer will federal agencies be coming after law-abiding gun owners. No longer will the government be trying to undermine your rights and your freedoms as Americans. Instead, we will work with you, by your side.
Maybe now, after the most deadly mass shooting in U.S. history, Nevada will revisit its policies.
Our hearts are with Las Vegas. Here’s how to help the victims of the mass shooting if you want to know what you can do.
