Wyden introduces bill raising age limits to buy assault weapons

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a bill on Wednesday that aims to decrease gun violence by raising the age limit to purchase assault weapons, handguns, and high-capacity magazines.

The Age 21 Act increases the minimum age to buy assault weapons from 18 to 21, which is already the age limit for handgun purchases from federally licensed dealers. This bill would expand that requirement to assault weapons, and large-capacity ammunition devices.

The legislation would also bar most people under 21 from possessing assault weapons with exceptions in certain circumstances, such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces.

“If you’re not old enough to purchase alcohol, you shouldn’t be allowed to buy an assault weapon either,” Wyden said. “We need to be doing everything we can to stop America’s gun violence epidemic, including raising the legal age of purchase to 21. I am proud to support this bill that will help keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of teenagers.”

In a press release announcing his support for the bill, Wyden’s office explained that assault weapons – which were originally made for military combat – are often used in mass shootings “because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds,” noting people under 21 years of age have used these guns in some of the most devastating school shootings in U.S. history, including shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

The bill is led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), with several co-sponsors including, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT.)

Multiple organizations have also endorsed the bill, including Brady: United Against Gun Violence, March for Our Lives, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety.

The bill comes as the Centers for Disease and Prevention reported more than 48,000 gun-related deaths in the United States in 2022, which is similar to about 132 people dying every day from firearm-related injuries.

According to the CDC, more than half of those gun-related deaths were in cases involving suicide and four out of every 10 deaths were identified as firearm homicide.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the Oregon Health Authority offers lists of resources, along with resources from the 988 Lifeline.