During a community forum in Iowa intended to discuss healthcare and the economy, Hillary Clinton slammed the idea that guns can be used to stop mass shootings in progress.
“The idea that you need more guns to stop people who are committing mass shootings is not only illogical, but offensive,” Clinton told the crowds when asked about what she would do to curb gun violence.
While many gun owners keep guns as a means of self-defense in case they were to ever face an armed criminal, the former secretary of state doesn’t think that logic adds up. Clinton referenced a shooting at a crowded movie theater in Lafayette, Louisiana earlier this summer as a counter example to that argument.
“You’re just supposed to fire back in a crowded dark theater? That’s craziness,” Clinton stated.
Clinton’s plan involves expanding gun control, mandating thorough background checks on those who wish to purchase guns and strengthening mental health services.
Gun control has become a prominent issue on the campaign trail since the mass hooting at a community college in Oregon last Thursday. Both Clinton and Bernie Sanders have rolled out policy platforms to restrict gun sales and usage, and Democratic candidate Martin O’Malley reminded voters of his already presented plan.
Clinton said Republican Jeb Bush’s comments about the Oregon shootings and gun violence were “an admission of defeat and surrender to a problem that’s killing 33,000 Americans.”
