'This is not about the 2nd Amendment': MSNBC's Melber berates NRA-backed Republican over defending 'weapons of war'

From the beginning of his interview with Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), MSNBC host Ari Melber blasted the positions of the National Rifle Association-backed congressman in the wake of last week's shooting in Parkland, Florida.

"There's no constitutional right to have those guns like an an AR-15," Melber said, referencing the weapon used by Parkland suspect Nikolas Cruz and a majority of attackers in recent mass shootings. "So why is it so important to you to make sure people can get them?"

"Well, look, there is a Second Amendment and it is reasonable to protect the Second Amendment," Burgess, who has an "A" rating from the NRA for his pro-gun positions, said before the host cut him off.

"This is not about the Second Amendment, sir," Melber said as the Texas Republican spoke over him, claiming he would be "distressed" if his First Amendment rights were threatened.

"The NRA stands for gun safety, responsible gun ownership, every interaction I have had with the NRA that has been what has been stressed," the congressman insisted.

Melber went on to cite a 2017 circuit court opinion that stated that there "is no Second Amendment protection for weapons of war," which arguably includes assault-style rifles like the AR-15.

Watch below, via MSNBC: