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Coalition Against Gun Violence |
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Violence Policy Center (VPC) released a study entitled "Just Like Bird Hunting"-The Threat to Civil Aviation from .50-Caliber Sniper Rifles, which details the threat of military-bred .50-Caliber sniper rifles to aviation and passengers throughout the United States. The 32-page study discusses the range and striking power of the .50-Caliber sniper rifle and its ammunition in the context of potential terrorist attacks against civilian airports and aircraft.
"Increasingly popular .50-Caliber sniper rifles, available at your local gun shop, are a lethal danger to the safety and security of Americans. We ask this Administration to consider the serious consequences of the .50-Caliber sniper rifle in terrorist hands," said Tom Diaz, VPC senior policy analyst and study author.
The .50-Caliber sniper rifle is capable of firing accurately over thousands of yards and can utilize legally available armor-piercing, incendiary, and explosive ammunition. The U.S. Army's manual on urban combat states that .50-Caliber sniper rifles are intended for use as anti-materiel weapons, designed to attack bulk fuel tanks and other high-value targets from a distance, using "their ability to shoot through all but the heaviest shielding material." Various models at a wide range of prices are available to civilians from an increasing number of gun manufacturers.
Even the leading manufacturer of these deadly terrorist tools, which are easier to buy than handguns, touts their anti-aircraft capability. In a brochure advertising its Model 82A1 .50-Caliber sniper rifle, Tennessee-based Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. states, "The cost-effectiveness of the Model 82A1 cannot be overemphasized when a round of ammunition purchased for less than 10 USD [U.S. dollars] can be used to destroy or disable a modern jet aircraft." In 1999 court testimony, Barrett Manufacturing head Ronnie Barrett testified as to the .50-Caliber's ability to destroy aircraft: "If it is coming directly at you, it is almost as easy. Just like bird hunting. But yes, it is more difficult if it is horizontally, or moving from left to right, yes."
The VPC has warned President Bush, Secretary of the Office Of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, Attorney General John Ashcroft, FBI Director Robert Mueller, and countless other state and federal officials charged with keeping Americans safe from terrorist activities of the dangers posed by .50-Caliber sniper rifles.
OUTLAW .50-CALIBER BMG RIFLES -- WRITE ASSEMBLYMEMBER JACKSON
AB 50 would expand the existing assault weapon law to include .50-Caliber BMG rifles including any .50 BMG cartridges. Existing law makes it an offense, subject to certain exceptions, for any person to manufacture or cause to be manufactured, import into this state, transport, distribute, keep for sale, offer or expose for sale, give, lend or possess an assault weapon, as specified. This bill would extend those provisions to include a .50 BMG rifle.
Assemblymember Hannah-Beth Jackson
Tel: (805) 564-1649
Fax: (805) 564-1651
E-mail: assemblymember.jackson@assembly.ca.gov
Attention: Holly (the contact person for gun control issues)
THIS BILL WAS DEFEATED THE FIRST TIME THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE !!
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