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Mass. AG Says Assault Weapons Ban Should Be Reinstated

BOSTON (CBS) - Gun sales are on the rise at Pullman Arms in Worcester. "People are afraid of losing their Second Amendment rights and want the ability to protect their family so they purchase firearms because they are afraid it will be taken away from them," owner Scott Malkasian said.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey says it's time to reinstate the federal assault weapons ban. The Orlando shooter, Omar Mateen, used an AR-15 style rifle.

"In Massachusetts we ban the sale of this particular kind of weapon that was used in Orlando. And six other states have a similar ban but the federal assault weapons ban lapsed in 2004 and since then we have seen a rise in number of mass shootings," Healey said.

After the Colorado mass shooting Healey sent a letter to all Massachusetts gun dealers reminding them to obey all gun laws and regulations. "It's important that we take all steps to ensure the right things being done. This is about keeping guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves and others," Healey said.

Scott says authorities need to do a better job screening people before they purchase a gun. "Police have to do better job with background checks. Gun control isn't going to stop a terrorist. They took down two of our buildings in New York without a single gun being fired," Malkasian said.

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