The Misconception About Full Automatic Weapons in Mass Shootings

Many misconceptions persist about the role of full automatic weapons in mass shootings. Contrary to popular belief, very few mass shootings have been carried out using fully automatic firearms. In fact, the majority of U.S. citizens are legally barred from owning such weapons. However, this does not diminish the seriousness and impact of modifications that can effectively emulate the rapid-firing capabilities of full automatic weapons.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

According to the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act of 1986, it is extremely difficult for most U.S. citizens to obtain a fully automatic weapon without a special license. These weapons are classified as restricted firearms, and obtaining one typically requires significant paperwork, background checks, and often substantial fees. Thus, the prevalence of fully automatic weapons among civilians is extremely low.

Modifications and Misuse

While the legal landscape is clear, vigilance is essential to combat the misuse of firearms. Some of the most horrific mass shootings in recent history have involved AR-15 rifles that were modified to mimic the rapid-firing capabilities of full automatic weapons. These modifications, often referred to as "bump stocks," allowed the shooter to hold the trigger down and fire multiple rounds in quick succession, replicating the effective rate of fire found in fully automatic weapons.

The Las Vegas Shooting

The deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history occurred in Las Vegas in 2017. The shooter used bump stock attachments on his AR-15 semi-automatic rifles, a technique that has become alarmingly common in the United States. This modification allowed him to hold the trigger down, and the weapon would then fire several rounds in rapid succession, effectively mimicking the rate of fire from a fully automatic rifle.

The Consequences

The result of this shooting was unprecedented. Sixty-one people were killed, and 867 were wounded, with many sustaining lifelong injuries, including paralysis and the loss of limbs. The toll this weapon took on human life is a stark reminder of the potential for mass destruction that can be wrought with even semi-automatic rifles modified to the point of mimicry.

The Misleading Nature of the Question

When questions like 'How many mass shootings were with a full automatic weapon?' are posed, they often carry a misleading implication: that full automatic weapons, as opposed to semi-automatic firearms, are more prevalent and dangerous. This is not the case. The reality is that fully automatic weapons are extremely rare and regulated meticulously, while semi-automatic rifles can be modified to achieve similar effects.

The Arms Industry and Regulation

Back in the day, the arms industry tried to market assault rifles to civilians, believing they would be hugely in demand. However, the government rightfully decided that military-grade firepower in civilian hands was not a good idea. Consequently, the arms industry removed the full-auto/burst-fire capabilities from their assault weapons and, in essence, defanged them. The government, led by the arms industry’s paid lobbyists (often referred to as the GOP), allowed this deregulation, leading to the widespread distribution of these weapons among civilians.

The Impact on Public Safety

While the shooters themselves might lack the skill to effectively use these weapons, the sheer rapidity and firepower can still lead to significant casualties. Recent examples demonstrate how mass shooters can use semi-automatic rifles to kill and maim numerous people in just moments. These weapons are designed to fire high-velocity rounds, causing extensive damage to human tissue and organs. This requires emergency medical personnel to undergo specialized training to treat these injuries.

Conclusion

Assault weapons, whether fully automatic or semi-automatic, pose a serious threat to public safety. Banning these weapons for most civilians and implementing mandatory buyback programs for those already in circulation is a logical and necessary step toward reducing mass shootings. Any city with a large emergency room should consider the necessity of such measures, as the impact of these weapons on human life is both tragic and profound.

By addressing the issue head-on and banning these weapons, we can take a significant step toward preventing the mass shootings that remain a fixture of our national conversation. The proliferation of these weapons is a public health and safety issue that must be taken seriously.