What is an ‘assault rifle’? Language to know as leaders discuss gun legislation
by Grace Reader and Nexstar Media Wire - 06/04/22 12:31 PM ET
AUSTIN (KXAN) — There’s a push by Democrats, and President Joe Biden, to revisit the idea of an “assault weapons ban” following a shooting at a Texas elementary school where 19 students and two teachers were shot and killed.
But you may be wondering: what qualifies as an “assault weapon” or an “assault rifle?”
Like other legislation that has garnered a political nickname – most recently including Texas’ abortion law, which some have referred to as the “heartbeat” law, and Florida’s legislation that prohibits talking about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools until a certain age, which opponents have called the “Don’t Say Gay” law – the terms “assault rifle” or “assault weapons” ban is highly contested, and used inconsistently, if not inaccurately.
The Associated Press Stylebook, which is used widely by journalists and news organizations, updated its guidance on weapons terms in 2020. That guidance suggested reporters avoid the terms “assault rifle,” “assault weapon,” “military-style rifle” and “modern sporting rifle” because they tend to be highly politicized.
Still, as leaders discuss how we move forward after the Uvalde tragedy, these terms have persisted in reference to weapons used to commit mass shootings, specifically in reference to AR-15-style rifles.
more
https://thehill.com/news/3511913-what-is-an-assault-rifle-language-to-know-as-leaders-discuss-gun-legislation/
