Fam, there's no need for a lot of things but people still have them. It's when they abuse them that others get hurt. There's thousands on top of thousands of people who own ARs who have absolutely no intention of doing anything malicious and are responsible owners.
There are rifles available now that aren't deemed as "assault weapons" that fire the same exact bullet caliber as an AR and at the same exact speed/rate. The only differences are visual since many of the accessories like optics, grips, bi-pods, etc... can all be retrofitted on them. There are other rifles that shoot even more powerful rounds and at almost the same rate that are also not deemed as assault weapons.
What happens when you ban ARs and then malicious people opt for a different rifle or pistol? It already happened at Columbine during the 90s Assault Weapon ban. Where does the propaganda and fear mongering end? When will politicians and media finally start focusing on the real issues of the people and the reasons or rationale behind their malice?