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Durbin Calls for “Reasonable” Gun Restrictions

Rich Egger

Following the second-worst mass shooting in American history, US Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said hunters and sportsmen need to "step up."

He urged them to support what he called "reasonable restrictions" on the types of weapons that can be purchased and on large ammunition magazines.

Durbin said average citizens don't need access to the kind of military-style equipment used by the gunman in Newtown, CT.

"I'm told that he was wearing body armor at the time. A question I have to ask: Why in the world does anyone need to buy body armor? I can see where the military would. I can see where the police would,” Durbin said.

“But when an average citizen buys body armor, you think, what kind of things are you protecting yourself against here?"

Durbin also said Illinois should be careful in responding to a court order mandating the state allow civilians to carry firearms in public.

He says the law should contain safeguards, such as a requirement that people undergo training before getting a carry permit.

Thanks to Illinois Public Radio

Rich is TSPR's News Director.