Dem rep on Waffle House shooting: Restrict ‘access to military-grade assault weapons’

Tennessee Rep. Jim Cooper (D) called for limited access to “military-grade assault weapons” after a gunman opened fire at a Waffle House near Nashville, Tenn., killing four people.

“Nashville woke up to devastating news. We mourn the innocent victims and thank our brave first responders. Many will say now is not the time to discuss change. But now IS the time,” Cooper, who represents Tennessee’s 5th District, wrote on Twitter.

“We can and must do everything possible to prevent these tragedies and keep Americans safe,” he tweeted. “That starts with restricting widespread civilian access to military-grade assault weapons.”

Nashville woke up to devastating news. We mourn the innocent victims and thank our brave first responders. Many will say now is not the time to discuss change. But now IS the time. We can and must do everything possible to prevent these tragedies and keep Americans safe.

— Jim Cooper (@repjimcooper) April 22, 2018

{mosads}Police are searching for the suspected gunman, CNN reported.

A spokesman for the Metro Nashville police said a restaurant customer stopped the shooting by rushing the gunman.

“He saw the gunman looking at his rifle. At that point, the shots had stopped. So he decided to rush the gunman, actually wrestled that assault rifle away, tossed it over the counter. At that point, the gunman then fled,” said Don Aaron, according to the network.

The police department tweeted a photo of the rifle used to carry out the attack.

Investigation on going at the Waffle House. Scene being processed by MNPD experts. This is the rifle used by the gunman. pic.twitter.com/lihhRImHQN

— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) April 22, 2018