Florida U.S. Senator Bill Nelson joined Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings in Orlando Tuesday to talk gun control. The two spoke to reporters from behind a table displaying military-style assault weapons and 40- to 60-round gun magazines, two of the items Nelson is seeking to restrict.
Nelson said the AK-47 and Bushmaster assault rifles from Orange County Sheriff’s Office evidence locker were examples of weapons meant not to hunt or protect the home, but to kill people. The Florida Democrat said he supports the Second Amendment and owns guns himself, but in his opinion it’s a matter of moderation.
“I don’t want the government telling me whether or not I can own a gun", said Nelson. "That’s part of my constitutional right. But when assault weapons with huge capacity magazines are killing our children, then it’s time for America to act.”
Nelson told reporters he blames lobbyists for the National Rifle Association for Congress’s failure to renew 1994’s assault weapons ban in 2004, saying the NRA has lost its way.
Nelson also wants to close what’s known as the “gun show loophole”. He says that allows some guns to change hands without a background check.