Officials call for weapons-ban renewal

[MartinBrody]

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news...n_renewal.html

Officials call for weapons-ban renewal

By Vernon Clark

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Spurred by the murder of Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, Gov. Rendell, Mayor Nutter, Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, and other area leaders today called for a renewal of the federal assault-weapons ban.

The three - joined by a host of City Council members and Pennsylvania state legislators - railed against the National Rifle Association for supporting the availability of such guns. The ban expired in 2004 after 10 years.

Liczbinski "didn't stand a chance" against the Chinese-made SKS carbine that was used to kill him, Nutter said. "What is most disturbing about this incident is the nature of the weapon," he said.

He said the weapon was powerful enough to penetrate a car and kill someone inside. The body armor worn by police cannot withstand shots from the carbine, Nutter added.

The carbine is not fully automatic and was not included in the federal ban. When questioned abut that, Ramsey responded angrily: "Then add it to the frickin' list."

Nutter and Rendell circulated a letter seeking a ban that is being sent to Pennsylvania's congressional delegation.

"We are writing to urge you to stand up for our nation's law enforcement officers by reenacting legislation banning the possession, manufacture, use or importation of assault weapons," the letter states. "Passing such critical officer safety legislation will protect our police from weapons that have no other purpose than to main and kill them."

While the ban would not have prohibited the gun that killed Liczbinski, Rendell said, the officer's murder illustrates the need for stricter control on such high-powered weapons.

Assault rifles "are not used for sport, and they shouldn't be in possession of any citizen to protect themselves," Rendell said.

Contact staff writer Vernon Clark at 215-854-5717 or vclark@phillynews.com.

Too much wrong with this to list, here are the some of the most misleading comments.

He said the weapon was powerful enough to penetrate a car and kill someone inside. The body armor worn by police cannot withstand shots from the carbine, Nutter added.

This applies to every deer rifle in PA doesn't it?

The carbine is not fully automatic and was not included in the federal ban.

Didn't know the 94 AWB banned or addressed full auto in any way?

While the ban would not have prohibited the gun that killed Liczbinski, Rendell said, the officer's murder illustrates the need for stricter control on such high-powered weapons.

No need to comment on this.

Assault rifles "are not used for sport, and they shouldn't be in possession of any citizen to protect themselves," Rendell said.

But what about all those high-powered sniper rifles everyone uses for sport, when will you come for them?

[jkt]

I wish they were this upset with the court and parole board for letting all of these crimminals out on the street. They gave a lengthy report on assault weapons on Fox News last night and then said "assault weapons are used in 2%-8% of crimes". I'm not even sure if I believe that.

[rev214]

Eddie, you're running late for the new season photo shoot for "Post Game Live." Stop your demagoguery; you need to start studying your Eagles notes for the coming season. Maybe your little pawn Mayor-Nut can make a special guest appearance. And Charles Ramsey -- what can I say? "Frickin!" How eloquent. What a powerful yet disgusting representative you are to the Philadelphia Police Department. To have 3 stooges likes this converge all together at this point in time is truly inspiring.

[Pro2A]

I've always said if PA goes south on guns, I'm going south, to VA or WV.