Vice President Kamala Harris’s ownership of a Glock pistol raises questions about her stance on gun control and California’s “Unsafe Handgun Act.” She owns a Glock pistol which California calls an “unsafe gun.” Her ownership of this gun makes her appear to be hypocritical regarding gun control. Her excuse is she was in law enforcement, but never with arrest powers.
Harris’s Gun Ownership Revelation
Vice President Kamala Harris recently disclosed her ownership of a Glock pistol, igniting a firestorm of controversy. She claimed during an interview that she owned a Glock firearm. The revelation came during an interview where Harris stated, “I have a Glock, and I’ve had it for quite some time.” The admission places a light on her calls for gun control and the disparity between the masses and public officials where gun ownership is reflected.
Harris’s ownership of a Glock is particularly noteworthy given California’s stringent gun laws, which she has historically supported. Under the state’s “Unsafe Handgun Act,” Glocks are classified as unsafe due to their lack of certain safety features. It calls into question the consistency between her active ownership and her public comments.
“I have a Glock, and I've had it for quite some time,” says VP Harris, addressing the surprise some people felt upon learning she’s a gun owner. “My background is in law enforcement. And so there you go.” https://t.co/3WvS0NXkSP pic.twitter.com/dGDqEy17IL
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) October 8, 2024
The California “Unsafe Handgun Act” Controversy
California’s “Unsafe Handgun Act” has been a contentious piece of legislation, limiting the sale of firearms that do not meet specific safety criteria. Harris’s involvement in enforcing a 2007 law requiring new handguns to have microstamping technology, which is not present in Glocks, has further complicated the issue. The California legislature’s 2023 ban on the sale of non-microstamping-enabled handguns has intensified scrutiny of Harris’s position.
Critics argue that Harris’s gun ownership, while legal due to her former position as a district attorney, exemplifies a double standard. Gun rights organizations question why Harris can own a firearm deemed unsafe for the general public while advocating for stricter gun control measures.
Kamala Harris says she owns a Glock yet supported a California law that banned the same gun and endorsed an amicus curiae brief in support of the handgun ban in the D.C. v Heller case
So Kamala can defend herself but she wants to enact policies that will leave you defenseless. pic.twitter.com/LSJtInGy1J
— America (@america) October 8, 2024
Harris’s Stance on Gun Control
Throughout her political career, Harris has been a proponent of strict gun control measures. She previously supported a 2005 San Francisco handgun ban and advocated for mandatory buyback programs for “assault weapons” during her 2019 presidential campaign. However, her campaign has since attempted to moderate her stance, assuring voters that they won’t take guns away.
“Tim Walz and I are both gun owners.” “We’re not taking anybody’s guns away. So stop with the continuous lying about this stuff.”
Harris’s current platform focuses on red flag laws, universal background checks, and an assault weapons ban. She emphasizes her gun ownership and law enforcement background to counter criticisms of her gun control record. However, it makes it appear that she is disingenuous about her statements regarding gun ownership.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate
The revelation of Harris’s Glock ownership has sparked intense public debate. Critics, including prominent figures and commentators, have questioned her compliance with gun laws and her stance on high-capacity magazines. Some have even expressed doubt about the veracity of her gun ownership claims.
As the debate continues, there are calls for Harris to address why she can own a Glock while advocating for restrictions on others. This controversy underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing personal rights with public duty, particularly for political leaders tasked with shaping gun policy. The situation serves as a microcosm of the larger, often contentious discourse surrounding gun control in the United States.
