SHAMELESS: Conan O'Brien Exploits Orlando Massacre to Push for Gun Control

Taking a stand. Conan O'Brien spoke out during his opening monologue on Monday, June 13, about the Orlando nightclub shooting and called for tougher gun control laws when it comes to assault rifles, which he called "weapons of war."

"At a time when we think we've heard the worst stories about senseless violence in our country, that it couldn't possibly get worse, the news out of Orlando yesterday is still impossible to fathom," he told viewers of the shooting, which left 49 dead and 53 injured, at Pulse, a gay club. "That so many people can lose their lives so quickly because of one person's demented rage will never make sense and God help us if it does."

"I am not a pundit, I am not an expert and I've always, always made it a policy to stick to my job and keep my opinions to myself. I have really tried very hard over the years not to bore you with what I think," O'Brien, 53, said.

"However, I am the father of two, I like to believe I have a shred of common sense and I simply do not understand why anybody in this country is allowed to purchase and own a semiautomatic assault rifle," he told the audience, who applauded in response. "These are weapons of war and they have no place in civilian life."

"I have tried to understand this issue from every side and it all comes down to this: Nobody I know or have ever met in my entire life should have access to a weapon that can kill so many people so quickly," he continued. "These mass shootings are happening so often now that lamenting them afterwards is becoming a national ritual."