Trump shooting: AR-15, Americans' top pick for firepower, is back in the crosshairs

United States presidential candidate Donald Trump had a providential escape after a bullet fired at him during a campaign rally in in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazed his right ear. The US Secret Service immediately sprang into action, rushing the former president off the stage as blood streamed down his face. They fatally shot the shooter, who had opened fire from an elevated position outside the rally venue. 

Even though Trump sustained only a minor injury and survived the assassination bid, the incident is bound to have significant repercussions on the ongoing presidential campaign and the broader political landscape.

At the moment, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is trying to unravel the motive of the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks. The 20-year-old gunman from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania used an AR-15-style rifle to carry out the assassination attempt. Secret Service confirmed that the semi-automatic rifle was an AR-15

AR-15’s Controversial Civilian Use

The AR-15 is a widely-known firearm in the US and has become quite popular. Unfortunately, it has been involved in numerous prominent shooting incidents. While it is categorized as a civilian rifle and often referred to as a ‘modern sporting rifle’, it was originally based on the military's M16 automatic rifle.

The AR-15 was the firearm linked to tragic mass shootings in the US, such as the one in Las Vegas in 2017 where 60 lives were lost, and the attack against the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado Springs in 2022 where five people were killed.

AR-15 insight: What you need to Know

The term ‘AR-15’ refers to a specific style of lightweight, semi-automatic rifle. AR stands for ‘Armalite Rifle’, named after the original manufacturer, Armalite and not ‘assault rifle’ or ‘automatic rifle’, as is sometimes mistakenly believed. And 15 is simply the model number of the rifle.

The AR-15 was developed in the 1950s and later sold to Colt, which began producing it for civilian use. It has since become one of the most popular rifles in the US for a variety of applications, including sport shooting, hunting and personal defence.

Key Features of the AR-15

* Modularity: The AR-15 is highly customizable, allowing users to easily swap out parts and accessories

* Semi-automatic: The AR-15 fires one round per trigger pull, distinguishing it from fully automatic military rifles

* Lightweight: Made from such materials as aluminium and composite plastics, the AR-15 is relatively lightweight compared to other rifles

* Accuracy: Known for its precision, the AR-15 is often used in competitive shooting

Some Common Misconceptions

* Not an Assault Rifle: The AR-15 is not classified as an assault rifle because it does not have the capability to fire automatically

* Civilian Use: While it is visually similar to military rifles, such as the M16 and M4, the AR-15 available to civilians is designed only for semi-automatic fire.

Deadly Effectiveness of AR-15

The AR-15 is a type of firearm that can shoot multiple rounds quickly because it is semi-automatic. The US Army has used its military counterpart, the M-16, since the Vietnam War. 

The AR-15 rifles shoot bullets at a much higher speed than handguns, about three times faster. They are also quite accurate even at long distances. These bullets can hit soft tissue or organs with devastating effect. According to a report in the Washington Post, a single bullet can shatter a skull and damage vital organs.

Although handguns are responsible for a higher number of deaths annually in the US, AR-15 rifles have gained notoriety for their involvement in numerous well-known mass shooting incidents. 

Affordable and Accessible

Purchasing an AR-15 can be straightforward. In many American states, a person can visit a gun store and, with a valid ID, buy a rifle or shotgun as long as they pass a federal background check. This process examines a buyer’s criminal record and whether they have been committed to a mental institution. However, even this basic check can be bypassed in private sales.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) promotes these rifles for recreational shooting and home defence. However, critics argue that their high lethality makes them unsuitable for civilian use. 

One reason why AR-15s are popular in America is their customizability. Owners can add scopes, large-capacity magazines and many other accessories.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives does not have an exact count of assault weapons in America because federal law prevents them from maintaining a gun registry. 

A 2023 Washington Post poll estimated that about one in 20 American adults owns at least one AR-15.

Prohibited in Multiple States

Assault weapons were banned in 1994 during President Bill Clinton’s Administration, but the ban expired in 2004 due to pressure from the powerful NRA. Since then, attempts to reform gun laws at the federal level have faced obstacles, with critics claiming that such reforms violate the Second Amendment, which protects the right to own a firearm.

However, some states, including California, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington DC, have banned the ownership of assault weapons. California states that its gun safety laws have saved 19,000 lives in the past decade. In May, President Joe Biden’s Administration took steps to tighten regulations on firearm sales at gun shows and online that bypass federal background checks. However, several Republican-led states swiftly filed lawsuits to block the measure.