Officials call for weapons-ban renewal

Spurred by the murder of Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, Gov. Rendell, Mayor Nutter, Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, and other area leaders today called for a renewal of the federal assault-weapons ban.

The three - joined by a host of City Council members and Pennsylvania state legislators - railed against the National Rifle Association for supporting the availability of such guns. The ban expired in 2004 after 10 years.

Liczbinski "didn't stand a chance" against the Chinese-made SKS carbine that was used to kill him, Nutter said. "What is most disturbing about this incident is the nature of the weapon," he said.

He said the weapon was powerful enough to penetrate a car and kill someone inside. The body armor worn by police cannot withstand shots from the carbine, Nutter added.

The carbine is not fully automatic and was not included in the federal ban. When questioned abut that, Ramsey responded angrily: "Then add it to the frickin' list."

Nutter and Rendell circulated a letter seeking a ban that is being sent to Pennsylvania's congressional delegation.

"We are writing to urge you to stand up for our nation's law enforcement officers by reenacting legislation banning the possession, manufacture, use or importation of assault weapons," the letter states. "Passing such critical officer safety legislation will protect our police from weapons that have no other purpose than to main and kill them."

While the ban would not have prohibited the gun that killed Liczbinski, Rendell said, the officer's murder illustrates the need for stricter control on such high-powered weapons.

Assault rifles "are not used for sport, and they shouldn't be in possession of any citizen to protect themselves," Rendell said.