GOP congressman claims Americans need AR-15s to fend off 'foxes' and 'raccoons'

So much for the argument about forming a well-regulated militia to oppose the tyranny of the state, or protecting one's self from a home invasion. The debate over the Second Amendment may ultimately boil down to how people feel about woodland creatures.

During a hearing Wednesday on how to end the gun violence epidemic plaguing the United States, Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) defended the right for AR-15s to remain in the hands of civilians because many people — including those in his eastern Colorado district — use them to shoot and kill foxes and raccoons who are "disturbing agriculture" or going after farmers' chickens.

It's been pointed out in the past that AR-15s are not particularly suitable for hunting purposes since they "tear up the meat," but what Buck is referring to sounds like it's more along the lines of pest control. Read more at The Colorado Times Recorder.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up