Daughter of murdered Sandy Hook principal slams Bernie Sanders over gun policy
The New York Daily News has published many memorable, scathing covers mocking Donald Trump. But on Wednesday, the tabloid took aim at another candidate altogether:
The Daily News asserts that Sanders is against a proposal that would allow victims of gun crimes like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, to sue the weapon's manufacturer. Plaintiffs in the Newtown case, however, have claimed that they can in fact sue such companies because the manufacturers were aware that the AR-15 assault rifle used by Adam Lanza to kill 20 students and six school staffers was unsuitable for civilian use. Freedom Group, the parent company of the AR-15 manufacturer, has argued that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms protects them from lawsuits over crimes committed with their weapons.
On Tuesday evening, Erica Smegielski, the daughter of Sandy Hook's principal who was killed in the shooting, tweeted the Daily News link, writing, "Shame on you @BernieSanders try living one hour in our lives." Smegielski added in a second tweet, "I hope @BernieSanders really #feelsthebern of this one. His judgment is despicable."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The criticism comes at a nerve-wracking time for Sanders, who faces an important face-off with Hillary Clinton in the New York primaries on April 19. Sanders has explained his stance by saying he fears that small, responsible gun manufacturers will be hurt by lawsuits, but that he would support more specific legislation aimed at manufacturers who knowingly give weapons to the wrong people, Politico reports. Sanders' spokesman has said his candidate's comments, as portrayed by the Daily News, are "certainly not accurate."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
Labour's Brexit conundrum
The Explainer Keir Starmer backs 'twin track' strategy – build closer security ties with EU while ruling out single market, customs union and free movement
By The Week UK Published
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
The Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Dangerous substances in Lunchables are raising concerns over children's health
In the Spotlight High levels of lead and sodium were recently found in the snack packages
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
ATF finalizes rule to close 'gun show loophole'
Speed Read Biden moves to expand background checks for gun buyers
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Hong Kong passes tough new security law
Speed Read It will allow the government to further suppress all forms of dissent
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
France enshrines abortion rights in constitution
speed read It became the first country to make abortion a constitutional right
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Texas executes man despite contested evidence
Speed Read Texas rejected calls for a rehearing of Ivan Cantu's case amid recanted testimony and allegations of suppressed exculpatory evidence
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Supreme Court wary of state social media regulations
Speed Read A majority of justices appeared skeptical that Texas and Florida were lawfully protecting the free speech rights of users
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Greece legalizes same-sex marriage
Speed Read Greece becomes the first Orthodox Christian country to enshrine marriage equality in law
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump and his lawyer Alina Habba have a rough day in defamation court
Speed Read Trump's audible grousing as E. Jean Carroll testified earned him a warning he could be thrown out of court, and Habba showed she 'doesn't know what the hell she's doing'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Anders Breivik to testify in prison isolation lawsuit against Norway
Speed Read Far-right fanatic who killed 77 people in 2011 claims he has received 'inhuman treatment' in custody
By The Week UK Published