Pro-gun Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said Monday that he expects for pro-gun advocates at the National Rifle Association to work together with the growing number of people calling for stronger control.
The Washington Post reported that Manchin spoke with President Barack Obama Tuesday to discuss his intention to reintroduce the assault weapons ban and further measures his administration is investigating in an effort to prevent future tragedies like the one in Newtown, Conn., on Friday.
“I believe that we must have a dialogue and bring parties from all sides to the table,” Manchin said. “I know my friends at the NRA and those who support our Second Amendment rights will participate because I know that their hearts are aching for the families in Newtown, just like all Americans.”
Manchin said Monday that the shooting in Conn. changed his mind on the sale of some weapons, and said it may be time to discuss reintroducing the assault weapons ban, first signed by President Bill Clinton, which expired in 2004.
“I don’t know anyone in the sporting or hunting arena that goes out with an assault rifle,” Manchin told MSNBC. "I don’t know anyone that needs 30 rounds in a clip to go hunting. I mean, these are things that need to be talked about.”
He added that while there has been some conversation in recent years after other shootings — this is the fourth massacre of this type since 2008 — that the events that took place Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School “changed the dialogue, and it should move beyond dialogue. We need action.”
Obama used similar words during his eulogy at an interfaith memorial service Sunday and discussed with the conservative Democrat some of what may be down the pike on gun control.
“The President called me this afternoon. We agree that as Americans and parents, all of our children belong to all of us – and we must work together to keep our precious children safe,” Manchin said.
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