Clinton calls for reinstating assault weapons ban while Trump says he 'absolutely wouldn't' consider it

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have opposing views on gun control.
(Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

On Monday, Hillary Clinton proposed reinstating the assault weapons ban that expired 12 years ago, telling CNN's New Day that "we've got to get back to common sense safety reform."

The Federal Assault Weapons Ban prevented the purchase of semi-automatic guns, such as the AR-15-style rifle used by Orlando nightclub shooter Omar Mateen when he took 49 lives Sunday. The original ban, signed by Clinton's husband, President Bill Clinton, expired in 2004 after being highly criticized by pro-gun groups such as the NRA.

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Jeva Lange

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.