The Latest: NRA protests minimum age hike for rifles

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump and guns (all times local):

8:45 p.m.

The National Rifle Association says any legislation aimed at raising the age requirement for rifle and shotgun purchases would deprive young Americans their constitutional right to self-protection.

Federal law already prohibits those under the age of 21 from purchasing handguns from licensed gun dealers.

But some have proposed a similar limit on rifles and shotguns in the wake of last week's Florida shooting.

NRA spokeswoman Jennifer Baker says, "We need serious proposals to prevent violent criminals and the dangerously mentally ill from acquiring firearms," but says raising the age requirement on shotguns and rifles from 18 to 21 would punish "law-abiding citizens for the evil acts of criminals."

Democrats are voicing outrage over comments that Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York made claiming that "so many of these people that commit the mass murders end up being Democrats."

Evan Lukaske, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, says the comments are "unhinged, shameful and disgusting."

Tenney made the remarks on "Binghamton Now," a talk radio show, as she discussed the Parkland, Florida, shooting. She added that "the media doesn't talk about" her assessment.

Source: Yahoo News