Kamala Harris Defends Gun Ownership Amid Debate Claims

During a recent debate, Vice President Kamala Harris defended her gun ownership amidst claims from President Donald Trump that she intends to confiscate guns if elected. This assertion was brought to the forefront when Trump, during the debate, accused Harris of wanting to take away all guns from the American people. Harris quickly refuted the claim, highlighting that both she and her running mate, Tim Walls, are gun owners. Harris first mentioned her gun ownership back in 2019 when she launched her presidential campaign, citing concerns for personal safety given her background as a prosecutor in California. She conveyed to the BBC that she owns a handgun primarily for protection. While she has expressed support for policies aimed at increasing gun safety, such as government buyback initiatives for assault-style rifles, her campaign clarified that her stance does not advocate for mandatory buybacks. In contrast, Trump asserted his loyalty to gun owners, dubbing himself their best ally in the White House, and reaffirmed his commitment to gun rights, even after a near-assassination attempt in July. This debate sheds light on the ongoing divide in American politics regarding gun control, as candidates navigate the complex relationship between gun ownership and public safety.