Kamala Harris’ recent announcement of gun ownership stirred debate, especially amongst female gun enthusiasts. Harris claims she and Tim Walz own firearms. Despite Harris’ claims, she has pitched a gun buyback program in the past.
Gun Ownership Claims and Public Response
Vice President Kamala Harris’ revelation of owning a firearm, including a Glock, during her recent campaign events, claims to affirm her support for the Second Amendment. The announcement aimed to counteract critiques from former President Trump and other figures about her position on gun rights. However, many interpreted this as a potential political maneuver rather than a genuine alignment with pro-gun rights rhetoric.
Amara Barnes, a vocal critic and gun owner, stated, “When Kamala Harris started talking about owning a Glock, I felt nothing. We all realize that it’s pandering and virtue signaling to the right, and she’s hoping that we’re too dumb not to realize that she is completely anti-gun.”
Kamala Harris and I are both gun owners.
We’re not going to take away your Second Amendment rights — we’re going to prevent your kids from getting shot at school.
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) September 11, 2024
Past Actions and Current Criticisms
Harris’ past support of gun control measures like buyback programs, red flag laws, and assault weapon bans contrasts sharply with her recent gun ownership claims. Her appointment to oversee the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and recent policy recommendations emphasize regulation, triggering skepticism among genuine Second Amendment supporters.
Jane Milhans, a firearms instructor, questioned Harris’ authenticity, stating, “I do not believe that she is a gun owner that practices and supports our right to protect ourselves.”
🚨 Kamala Harris IMMEDIATELY contradicts herself after she is caught in a lie about firearms:
“Yes, I am a gun owner and Tim Walz is a gun owner, and we’re not trying to take anybody’s guns away from them. But we do need an assault weapons ban.” pic.twitter.com/Q30PEQxvDg
— NRA (@NRA) September 17, 2024
Increasing Influence of Female Gun Owners
Gun ownership among women has been notably rising, with a report indicating a 7% increase from 2016 to 2022. This trend suggests an expanding political influence as more women embrace firearm ownership as part of their personal security and constitutional rights. Despite political affiliation, female entrepreneurs in the firearms market and self-defense advocates are emerging as significant voices in the conversation.
The Vice President’s statements about her firearm ownership continue to face scrutiny for alignment, while female gun owners watch carefully to see how political figures navigate the contentious Second Amendment rights discourse amidst increasing national gun violence debates.
