Donald Trump assassination attempt: Shooter used AR-15 rifle, one of the most popular and deadliest guns in US
AR-15 rifle, the gun used by Trump's shooter
The shooter of Donald Trump’s assassination attempt, a 20-year-old kitchen worker, Thomas MatthewCrooks was shot at the incident. The attack took place when the former US president was giving a speech at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Police and concerned authorities are still investigating Crooks’ motive.
"We do not currently have an identified motive," said Kevin Rojek, FBI Pittsburgh special agent in charge, at a briefing on Saturday night.
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According to reports, the shooter was armed with a high-powered semi-automatic rifle of AR-15 variant, the weapon notorious for its use in various shootings.
AR-15, the gun used by the Trump shooter, is America’s most notorious weapon
AR-15-style rifle is one of the most popular and deadliest guns in the US. It has been commonly seen in some of the country’s worst mass shootings.
The rifle was originally designed by Eugene Stoner in the late 1950s for Armalite. It was later sold to Colt, who marketed it to military and civilian markets.
The AR-15 is chambered in relatively small, high-velocity rounds. This rifle features a modular design, allowing its users to easily customize and configure it with different stocks, grips, sights, and other accessories, which makes it versatile and easy to use. This is one of the main reasons why it is top favourite among sport shooters, hunters, and law enforcement agencies.
Another reason for its popularity is its price:buying an AR-16 is easy and cheap. Depending on the state of residence, a prospective owner can walk into a gun shop and, after presenting a valid ID, buy a rifle or shotgun provided they pass a federal background check.
A Washington Post poll in 2023 estimated that one in 20 American adults owns at least one AR-15.
In terms of performance, the AR-15 typically has an effective range of around 500 to 600 metres for accurate shooting. It is known for its accuracy, manageable recoil, and adaptability
It is mostly used by US civilians, but its design also allows it to be the foundation for many military rifles, including the M16 and M4 carbines, which have seen extensive use by the US military. The AR-15's adaptability, combined with its high rate of fire in its military variants, has also made it a point of controversy in discussions about gun control, particularly in the context of its use in several high-profile mass shootings.
(With inputs from agencies)