Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar Addresses Gun Control After Attack in Australia

On Sunday, Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar from Minnesota expressed her support for Australia’s strict gun control measures, even though these laws have not completely prevented tragic terrorist incidents.

During a Hanukkah celebration, two gunmen opened fire, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and injuring around 40 others, including a child and two police officers. Omar discussed the situation on MSNOW with host Ali Belushi, noting Australia’s strong commitment to gun legislation.

“We’re still dealing with the aftermath of the shooting at the Church of the Annunciation,” she mentioned, referencing a tragic attack that took place in late August at a Catholic church near Minneapolis. “It’s heartbreaking that such violence is becoming commonplace, not just here in the U.S., but also in Australia, which has put significant effort into implementing gun control to prevent events like today’s.”

In the wake of a mass shooting in 1996 at Port Arthur, Tasmania, which claimed 35 lives, Australia instituted laws mandating the buyback of semi-automatic weapons and certain pump-action firearms. Many Democratic leaders have pointed to Australia’s comprehensive gun regulations as a model for addressing mass shootings.

Despite these laws, one shooter involved in the recent attack reportedly used a pump-action shotgun fitted with an extended magazine. In response, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised to establish tighter restrictions following the Bondi Beach incident. New measures could include restrictions on the number of firearms an individual can possess, closer scrutiny of gun licenses, and limiting licensing to citizens.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns hinted that his state might implement even stricter laws than those proposed by the national government. He questioned the need for high-powered weapons, stating, “If you’re not a farmer, why would you need such a dangerous firearm that poses a risk to the public and complicates the work of NSW Police?”