For one, it's hard to argue that only law enforcement should be allowed to own these weapons when the LEOs on the scene completely neglected to perform their duties.
For another, he's probably smart enough to realize that the time to enact an effective AWB has long since passed. in 1994, "assault weapons" were more of a curio item. They weren't really popular with gun owners. Today, the AR-15 is the most popular rifle in America with 20 million currently in circulation and another 4,000 sold each day.
Detach emotionally from the issue and just try to comprehend the logistics of what a ban would entail. To even pass the senate, compromise would be required. The end result would likely be a ban similar to 1994 that went after cosmetic features while grandfathering in all the currently owned weapons. Between the ban's signing and the day of effect, there's be a mass run on these firearms and magazines Factories would be working 24/7 to meet demand. Imagine easily another 5-10 million sold.
The right has also learned a few things from the left, particularly that it's OK to ignore laws you don't like. Half the elected county sheriffs would run and win on promises to not enforce any gun bans. Conservative state legislatures would write favorable 2A laws into their constitutions (just as blue states are doing with abortion). Finally, red state governors would declare their states "Second Amendment Sanctuaries" and snub their noses at federal laws. Manufacturers would relocate to these states and continue business as usual.
There isn't going to be a new AWB. That window has closed.
One more thing would need to happen... Red States should be willing to refuse extradition of any citizen caught a foul of a Blue State (or fed) corrupt laws.
We are in an ‘escaped slave’ environment... Blue States will use their laws to criminalize conservatives and drag them before their own stacked jurisdictions.
Cut them off. If NY says to West Virginia, “You have a citizen who violated our law... hand him over”, West Virginia should flatly refuse. Same goes for any fines.