One semi-automatic rifleDesigned specifically for children: Democratic senators today denounced the commercial practices of a manufacturer of small arms, light weapons and lethal weapons.

JR-15, inspired by the model used in several deadly attacks on United States of America, is “absolutely disgusting,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. “The last thing we should do is downsize guns and sell them to children,” he said, calling on the US Consumer Protection Agency (FTC) to launch an investigation into the manufacturer.

For miniature lovers

The rifle, which weighs less than a kilogram, shoots real bullets. It comes with 1, 5 or 10 magazines in 22mm and was first released to the market last year. Its price starts at $389. WEE1 Tactical describes it as “a little piece of American freedom” meant for “petite hobbyists”. Her website shows a petite blonde in the snow looking down a rifle scope.

“In an epidemic of youth gun violence,” such weapons “simply should not exist,” Chuck Schumer insisted. As an example, he cited the case of a 6-year-old boy who a few days ago shot his teacher at a school in Virginia.

Gun attacks have become a scourge in the US, where the right to bear arms is enshrined in the Constitution. Earlier today, President Joe Biden once again called on Congress to ban assault rifle ownership, but efforts to regulate their sale are being countered by a powerful gun lobby.

^{Source: APE-MEB, AFP.}