The image above shows right-wing protesters carrying assault weapons at what is supposed to be a non-violent protest. Why do we allow that to happen? Why do we allow protesters (from the right or left) to carry any kind of gun during a demonstration or protest?
The gun lovers will claim it is their right to carry guns at any time they want. They are wrong. Carrying a firearm at a protest (where emotions are already inflamed) is too dangerous to allow. It will result in the unnecessary loss of life -- either of protesters, law enforcement, or innocent bystanders.
We need a national law making it a crime to carry a weapon at a demonstration -- especially a firearm of any kind. Doing so should result in the loss and destruction of the firearm, and a significant jail sentence for the person carrying it.
I am not arguing for the elimination of the right of a citizen to buy or possess a firearm (although it should only happen after a background check). The Constitution guarantees most citizens that right.
But the Supreme Court has ruled that government can restrict where firearms are allowed to be carried, and one of those exceptions should be in any kind of protest or demonstration.
The Supreme Court has also ruled that a ban on assault weapons is also constitutional. We once had a ban, and we need to reinstitute it. There is no need for any civilian to openly carry an assault weapon in public, and doing so should carry a severe penalty including jail time and the loss and destruction of the weapon.
These simple moves would save lives, are constitutional, and need to be instituted as soon as possible. Any politician refusing to do so will have blood on his/her hands.