On Thursday, President Joe Biden called on for new age restrictions on the purchase of assault weapons in the wake of the deadly Uvalde, Texas, shooting where an 18-year-old killed 21 people.
Biden said that “we should raise the age to purchase them from 18 to 21.” Along with this, he also stressed other measures that need to be taken to rule out red flags on who gets to own a gun.
The president noted that the Uvalde shooter Salvador Ramos, “purchased two assault weapons for himself. Because in Texas, you can be 18 years old and buy an assault weapon even though you can’t buy a pistol in Texas until you’re 21.”
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So which are the states in the US that won’t allow you to buy a gun unless you are 21 years old?
California
According to the state’s law, under-21 can buy a gun only if they’re members of the armed forces or law enforcement or if they have a valid hunting license.
Florida
The state’s restrictions do not apply to shotgun or rifle purchases by law enforcement officers, correctional officers and service members.
Hawaii
Firearms can be acquired by those aged 21 and older but permits are not required for those under 21 who use a rifle or shotgun while they are “actually engaged” in hunting or target shooting.
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Illinois
Individuals need to hold a valid license called a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card in order to possess firearms. A person must be over 21 or have written permission from their parents before to get the permit card.
Vermont
Those aged 21 and over can buy handguns and long guns without a hunting safety certificate. In case an 18-year-old can show a certificate of completing a hunting safety course approved by the state Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife, he/she can purchase a firearm.
Washington
Anyone below 21 cannot purchase semiautomatic weapons. Members of law enforcement, the armed forces and the National Guard who are under 21 can purchase firearms.
