On Tuesday’s broadcast of CNN News Central, New York State Assemblyman Alex Bores (D) made a direct appeal for national legislative action, stating that the U.S. must finally implement a nationwide ban on assault weapons, particularly AR-15-style firearms. His remarks came in response to growing concerns about gun violence following a recent shooting in New York City that left the public and officials reeling.
Bores echoed sentiments previously shared by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, emphasizing that the time for debate is over, and what is urgently needed is concrete action to curb gun violence and protect American lives.
“I think it’s, as our governor said this morning, it is finally time for us to have a nationwide ban on assault weapons, on these AR-15-style weapons,” Bores said.
The assemblyman pointed out that while the specific firearm involved in the recent incident was technically classified as a pistol, its design and firepower were more in line with what most people would recognize as an assault-style rifle.
“Now, this one was a pistol and a different one, and I expect many of my colleagues in elected office to pick at specific distinctions in weapons. But what’s clear is no one should have a magazine that can shoot 30 rounds. No one should have such a high-powered and maneuverable weapon and be able to walk around city streets or drive it into our state.”
During the interview, CNN’s Brianna Keilar sought clarification, asking whether the weapon used was indeed a pistol.
“Technically, it’s defined as a pistol,” Bores replied. “Though obviously, it had a shoulder stock. And so, to the eye, many would call it an assault rifle.”
Bores elaborated that while the weapon may have lacked the technical features, such as rifling, that would formally classify it as a rifle, the visual and functional characteristics closely resembled one. He argued that these nuanced, technical differences are distractions from the bigger issue of widespread public safety.
“We shouldn’t be in these discussions on the ticky-tacky aspects of the specific guns. We need to be taking action to keep people safe. Exactly where we draw the line on exactly what kind of weapon, we can discuss.”
He further noted that New York State has already banned this style of weapon, but said that loopholes at the federal level mean that similar weapons can still be bought in other states and brought into New York.
“There’s nothing we can do if other states are going to keep selling it.”
Bores’ comments come amid renewed debates over gun legislation, interstate enforcement challenges, and how federal law can support state-level restrictions. His focus on de-emphasizing the technicalities of gun definitions in favor of a broader, action-oriented approach is reflective of a larger trend among lawmakers pushing for comprehensive gun safety reforms in the wake of repeated mass shootings and public outcry.
