Bill Maher, the American stand-up comedian, television host and social critic, appeared on last night's 'Tonight Show' with Jay Leno to give his opinion on the recent Arizona shootings in the US, reports Los Angeles Times. The 54-year-old, who was voted number 38 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest stand-ups of all time, made his feelings known and his opinions were met with some nervous laughter and jeers from the audience.
After a brief opening segment in which Maher poked fun at Republican politician CHRISTINE O'DONNELL, host Leno asked the comedian what he thought of the recent shootings in Arizona, to which he said, "The NRA (National Rifle Association) should change their name to the Assassin's Lobby, because that's what they are. Nobody needs a gun that fires 31 rounds". The comedian then criticised Arizona's firearms laws that allow citizens to carry weapons in public places, saying, "These guys always think that it's great to have a gun because if some bad stuff goes down, I'll be able to stop the bad guy". Some of the audience members audibly disagreed with Maher's opinions, but he did receive applause for his views on expanding healthcare and bringing the troops home.
The Los Angeles Times noted that as Leno awkwardly wrapped up the interview with a plug for one of Maher's upcoming appearances, "you could practically hear him sighing with relief".