No personal comment on the subject here, but will once again note the lack of research and generally poor quality of Globe editorials.

"That same man, armed with a single-shot rifle, a pistol, a knife, or even a moving van, could not have single-handedly produced as much death and injury." - The 2016 attach in Nice with a van killed 86 people.

Most of the weapons the author talks about are already illegal in the US.  Just saying, this conversation does need to be kept rational and would appreciate some more educated & experienced editorial writers at the Globe.