By Mark Reynolds
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin expressed his support for a ban on assault weapons Monday but also urged Rhode Island's lawmakers to hold off on any a sweeping legislative response to a Connecticut school shooting until they have a complete understanding of what took place.
Kilmartin also emphasized the need for thoughtful discussion about identifying and treating people with mental illness.
"Access to firearms and possession of certain firearms is a conversation that must be had and one that, as a nation, we will have," Kilmartin said.
"These are not going to be easy conversations to have, but they are necessary if we are to prevent future gun-related tragedies from occurring," Kilmartin said.