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U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer said an Illinois-based gun manufacturer could be breaking the law by selling a smaller, lighter version of the AR-15 aimed at a children’s audience. said.
The Senate Majority Leader on Sunday called for a federal investigation into the marketing of the WEE1 Tactical and advertising for the “JR-15.” The ad contains the company’s statement that the weapon is “for small hobbyists.”
Schumer noted that the company’s website also shows small children operating weapons alongside adults.
Schumer’s call for the Federal Trade Commission to get involved came after 10 people were shot dead in a shooting at a dance club in California over the weekend.
“The last thing we want to do is miniaturize and sell deadly weapons of war to young children,” Schumer, a Democrat, said in a statement.
At a press conference, he called “JR-15” a “hateful name” and said the FTC had the authority to “take a hard look” at the company.
He also wondered why weapons were being advertised to children when they could not legally purchase them.
“Marketed as a junior assault weapon for children. “But we don’t just need regulation. We have to stop being a market for kids and adults to buy kids stuff. I have to.”
In a letter to the FTC, Mr. Schumer asked the FTC to investigate the marketing and advertising practices on WEE1 Tactical’s website.
He said the .22-caliber long rifle, the “JR-15,” was touted as “smaller and lighter,” and said in a November 2021 press release that the weapon “works like mommy and daddy’s guns.” I will,” he said proudly.
Schumer said reports have indicated the company has toned down some of its marketing tactics, but it hasn’t completely stopped, noting that small children are using guns.
In a letter to FTC Chairman Linda Kahn, Schumer said, “It’s clear the company is making a clear effort to appeal to children in order to boost sales of this deadly weapon. “While WEE1 Tactical’s marketing makes its weapons safe for use by children, the deadly AR-15s and weapons that have already inflicted so much harm and unimaginable trauma on children in this country. There is no change.
“I have asked the FTC to examine and investigate WEE1 Tactical to determine whether its marketing and advertising are not merely offensive, but are deceptive and dangerously misleading to consumers. I urge you to do so.”
This isn’t the first time WEE1 Tactical has faced scrutiny, with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin leading a debate among lawmakers over gun control measures in July. California Governor Gavin Newsom has also highlighted the issue, as have gun control groups, according to Business Insider.
Proponents of the firearm argued for its safety points, including a tamper-proof trigger lock that can only be handled by adults.
The company said on its website that safety is “at the forefront” when developing weapons for youth. I said it was to be able to teach.
“Safety was at the forefront of our thought process, which is why we developed and patented a tamper-evident safety device that allows an adult to control a firearm safety switch. It requires dexterity,” the company said. “Once activated, the rifle’s standard safety switch cannot be disengaged.
“Thus, it adds a level of safety not found in any other firearm of any size. Always remember that the most important safety feature of a youth firearm is an adult supervising all activities. stay here.”
A request for comment on Schumer’s FTC petition was not immediately returned by WEE1 Tactical on Sunday night.
with post wire
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