Manchin: Raising age to 21 to buy semiautomatic rifles 'makes sense'

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) tells CNN's Manu Raju that he backs raising the age to 21 for buying semiautomatic rifles and questioned why individuals need to own AR-15-style weapons -- putting him at odds with congressional Republicans just as senators grapple with the growing number of deadly massacres ravaging communities nationwide. #CNN #News

[brianberthold]

the fact is the supreme court has already said the state has no rights to change the age for gun ownership

[marcyking]

If you are not mature enough to buy firearms until you are 21, then you shouldn't be allowed to vote until you are 21, and you certainly shouldn't be allowed to go into the 'armed' services until you are 21, either.

[ronmccall]

here's a question I've not heard a single lawmaker ask or bring up. how was an 18 year mentally unstable individual who had no job, able to purchase close to $9, 000 worth of guns ammunition clips and ammunition not to mention the body armor? that would be a very good first question or second question, if he himself bought these guns and the rest it would race the question with financial help from who? at that point then the question of who knew what he was planning may be closer to being answered and if someone or others knew, then why did they not try to stop him by at least notifying the authorities? someone should ask these questions.

[tacituskilgore]

The government: "We should raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21."

Also the government: "Join the Marine Corps when you graduate high school."

[temiloluwa]

They should stop giving this Manchin airtime. Let him vote the way he likes. He's unreliable after all

[JJ_]

Joe plays both sides of the fence, he says one thing but then he’ll vote another

[WastelandBowman]

"Makes sense" and "I'll vote for it" are two completely different statements

[neilschmid]

Except the 9th circuit said it was unconstitutional to deny the 2nd amendment based on age.

[dawnlove]

I wish I had the money to run against this crooked man. He's destroyed WV.

[ZZKJ]

How about not supplying assault rifles to the general public at all?

[joebanks]

Manchin later on Fox: I will never support any gun legislations.

[stonedphilosopherza]

As a non-American on another continent. I hope Americans can find a way to unite again, their divide between blue and red is destroying their society and is getting dangerous. Sometimes the greater good needs to prevail

[jimziogas]

Make sure to promote banning these weapons while, sending full auto versions to the citizens of the Ukraine. You messed up Manchin.

[spicyboy]

Raise the age of selective service too. How can a young man support and defend the constitution if the constitution does not apply to him. Just awful, I weep for our future

[danjohnston]

Here Is A Talking Point If It Helps:
Yes, 18 Year Old Service Members In The Military Will Have Weapons
They Are "Under Adult Supervision " == Higher Command
Civilian Teenagers Are Not

[mrHBarry]

Republicans : we can't solve all the problems so why bother trying to solve any problems

[stonefree]

Let military style weapons be for the military and not for the public! We have never had a school shooting in my country and the last mass shooting was 35 years ago. Think we over here in Europe are doing something right after all and America is doing something wrong!

[averagejoe]

Joe said he has never seen the need to own an AR15.... Easy to say when you have armed security.... When you give up yours I'll give up mine.

[jpvanden]

So does raising both the draft and also the voting age to 21. If you aren't an actual adult that can be trusted with alcohol, cigarettes, guns, etc, then you have no business affecting actual adults through the vote. It's only been since 1971 that it's been 21 anyway, and only because of the Vietnam draft.

[hollowpoint]

It only “makes sense” if we are willing to raise the legal age of majority to 21. That means no military service/draft, voting, etc., etc. for 18-20 year olds. I agree that our culture has led to extended adolescence for many young adults. It may be a good idea to raise the age of majority, but it’s definitely not legal to take away Constitutional rights from legal adults.