Reader: Would weapon in accidental stabbing be described as an "assault steak knife"?

Our post about the tragic death of Anastasia Adair, who accidentally killed herself while carrying a rifle down some stairs, continues to collect comments -- well over 400 at this writing. And the debate is fascinating. Here's an example, from a reader who feels the term "assault weapon" is often...

By Michael Roberts

May 24, 2013

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Our post about the tragic death of Anastasia Adair, who accidentally killed herself while carrying a rifle down some stairs, continues to collect comments -- well over 400 at this writing. And the debate is fascinating. Here's an example, from a reader who feels the term "assault weapon" is often used as a pejorative.

Al E Cat Maes writes:

Yes the lethality of an "assault weapon." Had she been walking down those stairs with a simple steak knife and tripped and stabbed herself in the head and died, we wouldn't be reading a story of an "assault steak knife." It's common sense that mishandling any type of weapon can be fatal. Unfortunately this lady had little experience with this type of weapon. R.I.P. Anastasia.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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