A bump stock on an AR-15 rifle. Photo: Allen G. Breed / AP
The National Rifle Association issued a statement this afternoon in support of additional federal regulations on bump stocks, a firearm accessory that allowed Stephen Paddock, the Las Vegas shooter, to approximate automatic fire while using a semiautomatic rifle during this week's massacre.
Why it matters: The NRA urging a federal examination of any gun accessory is a big deal, and this could give cover to Republicans to support a ban on bump stocks — meaning there's a chance of rare bipartisan action on guns.