Topic: Semi Automatic

President Biden has renewed his call for a federal ban on "assault weapons" and semi-automatic handguns following recent shootings in Colorado and Virginia. Biden described the continued legality of semi-automatic weapons as "sick" and lacking social value. Critics point out the president's apparent confusion between semi-automatic and fully automatic firearms during his public addresses.

The village of Deerfield, Illinois, unanimously voted to ban semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines, with fines up to $1,000 per day for non-compliance. The hosts discuss the constitutionality of the ban, noting that the Second Amendment restricts federal power but may allow for local municipal restrictions.

The "AR" in AR-15 stands for "ArmaLite Rifle," the company that originally developed the platform, not "assault rifle" or "automatic rifle." The hosts explain that the AR-15 is a semi-automatic civilian rifle that has been "glamorized" by its military appearance. They argue that the term "assault style" is a media invention used to describe the aesthetics of a weapon rather than its mechanical function.

The hosts examine proposed legislation in the 115th Congress to ban devices that increase the rate of fire for semi-automatic rifles, such as bump stocks. They point out the technical difficulty of the ban, noting that simple items like rubber bands or sticks can be used to achieve similar effects. They argue the language of the bill is overly broad and potentially unenforceable.

Sheriff Lombardo explicitly denied any conspiracy between the FBI, local police, and MGM Resorts. In a technical aside, the hosts discuss the phenomenon of "cooking off," where a rifle becomes so hot from rapid fire that rounds ignite spontaneously in the chamber. They suggest this might explain some of the audio recorded during the Las Vegas massacre.

A top Walmart official announces the retailer will stop selling military-style semi-automatic weapons to focus on hunters and sporting clay shooters. The hosts briefly compare the current Parker family to Robby Parker from the Sandy Hook investigation, noting similarities in their public appearances.

A host recounts a verbal altercation at an Austin party with a woman identifying as a "yellow liberal." The argument centered on gun ownership, specifically the host's possession of an AR-15 and 30-round magazines. The discussion touched on the legalities of gun ownership for those on antidepressants or diagnosed as bipolar, highlighting the deep cultural divide between "programmed" citizens and gun rights advocates.

President Obama is noted for misidentifying the weapon used at Sandy Hook as "fully automatic" during a fundraiser, though he later corrected himself. Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy signed new legislation limiting magazine capacity to 10 rounds based on the claim that the shooter fired 154 rounds in four minutes. The hosts question the timeline and the logistics of the shooting as reported by officials.

Media coverage of gun control focuses on politicians like Michael Bloomberg while criticizing past inaction by Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. A sports writer on CNN suggests that Piers Morgan should challenge Alex Jones to a boxing match involving semi-automatic weapons. The hosts highlight the hypocrisy of media figures who advocate for peace while using violent metaphors.

Police in Maryland arrested Neil Edwin Prescott after he allegedly identified himself as "a joker" and threatened his employer during a termination phone call. Authorities seized 25 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition from his home, which the hosts argue is a violation of constitutional rights based on hearsay. They critique media reports that incorrectly labeled semi-automatic rifles as "automatic weapons" to increase public fear.