Call for renewed assault weapon ban

CHICAGO The weapons were banned in 1994 but that ban expired in 2004. Monday, Kirk joined local law enforcement leaders to push for new legislation that would get assault weapons off the streets.

Kirk says, without the ban, even police officers in full body armor are in danger.

"They can feel somewhat protected from a normal pistol, but against weapons like these body armor offers no significant protection for a police officer," said Rep. Mark Kirk, (R) Illinois.

The proposed legislation would make it illegal to manufacture, transfer or possess semi-automatic assault weapons and ammunition.

Opponents say the law will not cut down on the number of violent crimes.