Evangelical leader Pat Robertson calls for stricter gun laws

Prominent conservative evangelical leader Pat Robertson has called for stricter gun control laws following last week’s shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla.

“For heaven’s sake, I don’t think that the general population needs to have automatic weapons,” Robertson, who is a gun owner, said on “The 700 Club” on Tuesday.

“Amen,” a voice off camera said. 

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“It’s one thing to defend yourself with a pistol or a shotgun to hunt with,” Robertson continued. “I think we can ban those things without too much trouble,” he said, referring to automatic weapons.

Robertson went on to address the issue of mental health and increased background and medical checks. 

“If somebody is seeing a psychiatrist, is on medication, he or she needs to be prohibited from being turned loose on the general population,” he said.

The faith leader’s comments come a week after a shooter opened fire with an AR-15 on people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, killing 17 and injuring numerous others.

The shooting has reignited the national debate on gun control.

Robertson’s comments appear to mark a shift in his past view on gun control. 

“I hope and pray they don’t politicize this thing and start talking about gun control and all that because it won’t be necessary,” he said in the aftermath of the November shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

Robertson has also voiced his support for arming church attendees in the past.