Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the “Age 21 Act” on Wednesday, aiming to raise the minimum age to buy assault weapons and high-capacity magazines from 18 to 21, aligning with handgun purchase laws.
Gillibrand cited past mass shootings involving young gunmen, including the 2022 Buffalo supermarket attack, as justification for the change. The bill would prohibit federally licensed and private sellers from selling these firearms and accessories to individuals under 21, with exceptions for law enforcement and military service.
Calling it a “critical safeguard” against gun violence, Gillibrand pledged to fight for the bill’s passage in Congress.
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