Rep. Pete King (R-NY) is supporting the Democrats’ “assault weapons” ban in order to get rid of what he refers to as “weapons of mass slaughter.”

The New York Daily News quoted King saying, “They are weapons of mass slaughter.” He added, “I don’t see any need for them in everyday society.”

The Democrats’ “assault weapons” ban is sponsored by Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), and has the support of nearly 200 Democrat Representatives.

On August 14, Breitbart News reported that the “assault weapons” push became central for Democrats after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) signaled his willingness to take up gun control when the Senate reconvenes in September. McConnell said that universal background checks will probably “lead the discussion,” but he also said an “assault weapons” ban would be front and center.

King has been focused on background checks but recent events renewed his focus for an “assault weapons” bill. He said, “I think the assault weapons ban is timely now, especially in view of the shooting in El Paso and Dayton.”

AWR Hawkins is an award-winning Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and the writer/curator of Down Range with AWR Hawkins, a weekly newsletter focused on all things Second Amendment, also for Breitbart News. He is the political analyst for Armed American Radio. Follow him on Twitter: @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com. Sign up to get Down Range at breitbart.com/downrange.