Charleston mayor: Number of guns in US is ‘insane’

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley (D) said the United States must use the recent killing of nine people in a South Carolina church to push for gun reform. 

The long-time mayor of the city said reform has been stalled by a small group of well-funded individuals, appearing to allude to the National Rifle Association.

{mosads}“We have to use this most recent tragedy to keep us working on that. We have to do that,” he said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “It is insane the number of guns and the ease of getting guns in America.” 

Dylann Roof, 21, was charged with nine murder counts after allegedly opening fire in the historically black Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., on Wednesday night. 

The mayor hoped, however, that advocates would “reasonably and respectfully let those funerals happen” before aggressive political action begins.

Riley, who has been a long proponent of removing he Confederate flag from state capitol grounds, predicted that fight would ultimately succeed. 

He said at best, the flag sends a mixed message. At worst, it is an “affirmation” of racism and bigotry. 

“They have appropriated something and used it as a symbol of hatred,” he said.