GOP senator: Banning assault weapons is ‘ridiculous’

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called a potential ban on assault weapons “ridiculous” Wednesday, saying it would do nothing to protect the U.S. from radical Islam.

“I own an AR-15. The idea that you’re going to ban assault weapons in America to keep us safe from radical Islam is ridiculous,” Graham said on CNN’s “New Day.” 

{mosads}There has been a renewed discussion about gun control following the mass shooting Sunday at an Orlando nightclub that left 49 dead and 53 injured. 

President Obama and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton have called on Congress to reinstate a ban on assault weapons that expired in 2004, something Republicans generally oppose.

A CBS News poll released Wednesday showed that a majority of Americans, 57 percent, support a ban on assault weapons. It found 78 percent of Democrats and 45 percent of Republicans back a ban. 

Obama and Clinton also want to bar people on the FBI’s terrorist watch and no-fly lists from purchasing guns, something Graham said lawmakers could have a “reasonable discussion” about. 

Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump on Wednesday said he plans to meet with the National Rifle Association (NRA) to discuss banning sales to people on the watchlist, he said in a tweet.