Assault rifles have been repeatedly used in major mass shootings, such as the supermarket shooting in Boulder and in the deadly Christchurch mosque attack in New Zealand in 2019. Yet, pro-gun lobbyists are pushing to legalize their use, with California becoming the latest domino to fall. Benitez has given the state plenty of time to appeal the decision, which it is expected to do.
A demonstrator holds a sign depicting an assault rifle at a protest against President Trump's visit on August 7, 2019 in El Paso, Texas. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Who is Roger Benitez?
Born in Havana, Cuba, Benitez emigrated to America as a child. He did his schooling in El Centro before earning an Associate in Arts degree from Imperial Valley Community College in 1971. Benitez also attended San Diego State University (1974), before obtaining a JD from Western State University College of Law (1978). He then joined a private law firm and was engaged in private practice for nearly 20 years. During this time, he also became a part-time instructor at Imperial Valley College.