Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprising revelation during Tuesday's presidential debate: she owns a gun. The statement came in response to former President Donald Trump's accusation that "she has a plan to confiscate everybody's gun," as reported by The New York Times.
Harris countered Trump's claim by highlighting her own firearm ownership, as well as that of her vice-presidential nominee, Gov Tim Walz of Minnesota. "This business about taking everyone's guns away, Tim Walz and I are both gun owners," she said. "We're not taking anybody's guns away, so stop with the continuous lying about this stuff."
Vice President Harris: "Tim Walz and I are both gun owners. We aren't taking anyone's guns away so stop with the continuous lying about this stuff." pic.twitter.com/dR6rZM31wo
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 11, 2024
This is not the first time Harris has disclosed her gun ownership, a detail that has historically been more associated with Republican politicians. During her 2020 Democratic primary campaign, Harris, a former prosecutor, explained her reason for owning a firearm. "I am a gun owner, and I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do, for personal safety," she told reporters in Iowa in 2019, according to The New York Times.
By mentioning gun ownership, Harris and Walz aim to counter the notion that one must either support an unrestricted interpretation of the Second Amendment or advocate for complete gun confiscation. Both Democrats have called for certain limitations on gun ownership and purchasing processes, often renewing these appeals following mass shootings.
Harris's statement during the debate positions herself and her running mate as supporters of responsible gun ownership while advocating for reasonable restrictions. This stance attempts to bridge the gap between gun rights advocates and those calling for stricter gun control measures.
The New York Times reports that Trump also owns guns, though it's worth noting that the New York Police Department sought to revoke his concealed carry permit after he was convicted of 34 felonies in May.
