Indiana U.S. Senator Richard Lugar said Monday that he will push for a renewal of the assault weapons ban.
“I believe it should be, but I recognize the fact that the politics domestically in our country with regard to this are on a different track altogether,” Mr. Lugar told Bloomberg.
The Indiana Republican is the first Republican to come out in support of renewing the ban following the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. A number of Democratic politicians have said they plan to introduce legislation aimed at increasing gun control.
New York Rep. Carolyn McCarthy plans to introduce a similar piece of legislation. Ms. McCarthy says she will include a ban on extended magazine clips similar to those used by the alleged gunman.
Rep. Peter King has suggested legislation making it illegal for anyone to knowingly carrying a loaded gun within 1,000 feet of certain high-ranking public officials, including members of Congress. The proposal is not expected to pass, with Speaker John Boehner reportedly saying he will not introduce the measure.
