In a significant policy reversal, Representative Jared Golden (D-Maine), previously known for his conservative stance, announced his support for an assault weapons ban following a mass shooting in his state. Speaking at a news conference in Lewiston, Maine, Golden acknowledged his past opposition to banning assault rifles but declared, “The time has now come for me to take responsibility for this failure.” He called on the United States Congress to implement a ban on assault rifles and expressed his willingness to collaborate with any colleague to achieve this goal during his remaining time in Congress.
Golden’s decision was met with immediate praise from fellow Democrats, with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) lauding his move as “powerful, brave, and moving” and commending it as an act of leadership.
During the news conference, Golden was joined by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), a fellow moderate, who advocated for a ban on “very high-capacity magazines,” emphasizing the need for more effective gun control measures.
The context of Golden’s reversal stems from a tragic incident in Maine, where at least 18 people lost their lives in a series of mass shootings. Law enforcement officers were actively engaged in a standoff situation near Bowdoin, Maine, urging anyone inside the location to surrender.
This development highlights the ongoing debate surrounding gun control in the United States and the evolving perspectives of lawmakers, underscoring the complexity of the issue in the face of tragic events.
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