Trump moving away from call to increase minimum age to buy gun: report

President Trump is moving away from his original call to increase the minimum age to buy some guns following the shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla., earlier this month, according to CNN.

A Republican congressional source told CNN that Trump was “obviously moving back” from his call to raise the minimum age to purchase some weapons from 18 to 21.

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A source close to Trump also asked the network how a member of the armed services can use an assault weapon on the battlefield, but not to protect their own family. 

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment. 

Reports surfaced last week that Trump was discussing a new minimum age to purchase a firearm and that he didn’t believe high school students should be allowed to purchase guns.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said last week that the issue was on the table for the administration.

“I think that’s certainly something that’s on the table for us to discuss, and that we expect to come up over the next couple of weeks,” Sanders said.

However, the National Rifle Association (NRA) and many Republicans have spoken out against raising the age to buy an AR-15.

Nikolas Cruz, 19, allegedly killed 17 people and injured numerous others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School earlier this month when he allegedly opened fire with an AR-15.

Cruz purchased the weapon legally last year.

Trump praised the NRA amid the debate last week, calling them “Great People and Great American Patriots” who “will do the right thing.” 

What many people don’t understand, or don’t want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the @NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2018

The president has also discussed arming teachers, banning bump stocks and strengthening the background check system to be “comprehensive” as possible measures to help reduce shootings.

The president will meet with lawmakers on Wednesday to discuss legislative solutions in response to the school shooting.