1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

The horrific details and images from mass shootings involving AR-15 rifles are truly devastating. These assault-style weapons have wrought immense carnage and suffering in schools, houses of worship, public spaces, and communities across our nation. The sheer destructive power of the AR-15, originally designed for military combat, has enabled assailants to instantly turn cherished gathering places into nightmarish scenes of violence and bloodshed. While recognizing that many responsible gun owners use these rifles for lawful purposes like hunting and target practice, we cannot ignore the repeated tragedy caused by their misuse. The statistics speak volumes - the AR-15 has been the weapon of choice in the majority of the deadliest mass shootings over the past decade. I am compelled to urge that commonsense reforms be enacted to help prevent such devastation from continuing to tear at the fabric of our society. Reasonable restrictions on civilian access to weapons of war like the AR-15, along with other measures to promote gun safety and responsible ownership, could save countless innocent lives. Inaction is unacceptable when the human toll becomes so catastrophic and the pattern so alarming. We owe it to the victims, their grieving families, and all Americans to take decisive steps to stop this cycle of mass violence.