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Conan O'Brien opened his talk show on Monday night by saying he is not a “pundit or an expert.” But the comedian is a father of two, and it was as a father of two that he spoke to his viewers in his monologue. Eschewing jokes for a change, O'Brien felt a need to address the Orlando shooting that took the lives of nearly 50 people over the weekend. It took place at a gay nightclub called Pure and the atrocity was committed by a 29-year old named Omar Mateen. Someone on the FBI's watch list after the organization interviewed him in 2013 and 2014 for possible terrorist ties, Mateen was still permitted to legally purchase the guns he used in this heinous attack. This has become a point of contention and anger for those who believe America needs stricter gun control laws, especially when it comes to automatic weapons. And this is the side on to which Conan falls. O'Brien says in the following video: “At a time when we think we've heard the worst stories about senseless violence in our country, that it couldn't possibly get worse, the news out of Orlando yesterday is still impossible to fathom.” “That so many people can lose their lives so quickly because of one person's demented rage will never make sense and God help us if it does.” Mateen – who was shot dead by police after a hostage situation and standoff – used an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle to commit these murders. That’s the same high-velocity weapon used in the mass shootings in San Bernardino, California, last December; and in Newtown, Connecticut; and Aurora, Colorado. Conan told the audience, who applauded in response: “I am the father of two, I like to believe I have a shred of common sense and I simply do not understand why anybody in this country is allowed to purchase and own a semi-automatic assault rifle.” “These are weapons of war and they have no place in civilian life.” Added O'Brien: “I have tried to understand this issue from every side and it all comes down to this: “Nobody I know or have ever met in my entire life should have access to a weapon that can kill so many people so quickly.” Watch his speech below and decide: Do you agree? Disagree? Should a late-night host use his platform in this manner… or just stick to jokes?

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Conan O’Brien Pushes to End Assault Rifle Sales