Critics erupt on Biden after ‘sick’ comment on semi-automatic gun purchases: 'Sheer ignorance'

President Biden answered a handful of questions on Thanksgiving Day on the island of Nantucket in Massachusetts.

President Biden faced intense backlash from critics on Thanksgiving after speaking out against the purchase of semi-automatic weapons.

During a press event in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Biden reiterated his previous support for new gun restrictions while speaking about the recent mass shooting in Colorado. .

"The idea we still allow semi-automatic weapons to be purchased is sick," Biden said.

A reporter then asked Biden if he would be able to make any movement on new gun laws while Republicans control the House in the next Congress, to which the president said he would make that assessment as he counts votes. .

President Biden, standing next to Nantucket Fire Department Chief Michael Cranson, left, talks during a visit with firefighters at the Nantucket Fire Department in Nantucket, Massachusetts, on Thursday.

"I'm going to try," Biden said.

Thomas Massie, R-Ky., said that Biden was "maligning most gun owners" with his stance on firearm purchases and noted that Americans rejected gun control measures floated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. 

Rep.-elect Mark Alford called Biden’s stance on gun laws "sheer ignorance," and cited an article noting that semi-automatic weapons make up 50% of all gun sales in America.