Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton is calling for an assault weapons ban, presumably just like the one her husband instituted in the 1990s, in reaction to the Orlando shooting.

In a just-issued statement, she said:

"Finally, we need to keep guns like the ones used last night out of the hands of terrorists or other violent criminals. This is the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the United States and it reminds us once more that weapons of war have no place on our streets."

The rifle used in the shooting was an AR-15 type, a semi-automatic weapon that be equipped with magazines that hold several bullets. Since the first Clinton ban died under former President George W. Bush, it has become the most popular style of weapon made and sold and a favorite on gun ranges across America.

Democratic presidential Bernie Sanders also called for a ban, but mentioned "automatic" weapons, which are already largely banned.

The shooter, Omar Mateen, 29, from Port St. Lucie in Florida, reportedly had a license to be an armed security guard in federal buildings despite being noticed by the FBI for making pro-terror statements. It is unclear why he was allowed to get a firearms license.

Clinton's campaign website notes that she supported a prior Senate effort to ban the guns: "She also co-sponsored and voted for legislation to extend and reinstate the assault weapons ban."

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com