
Kamala Harris’s reported ownership of a Glock sparks a heated debate over California’s “Unsafe Handgun Act” and personal gun control stances.
At a Glance
- Kamala Harris, a gun control advocate, owns a Glock classified as “unsafe” in California.
- Lack of microstamping in Glocks heightens the contrast with laws she supported.
- Harris cites law enforcement background and personal safety as reasons for ownership.
- Critics question the consistency of her stance on gun regulations.
Kamala Harris, Glock Ownership, and California Law
Kamala Harris, current Vice President and former California attorney general, owns a Glock pistol. Her ownership raises eyebrows due to her vocal support for stringent gun-control laws, including California’s “Unsafe Handgun Act,” which deems Glocks to lack necessary safety features. Despite this, the law includes exemptions for law enforcement personnel. Harris, a former district attorney, falls under this category, which legally permits her possession of such firearms.
Harris first mentioned her ownership of a gun during her 2019 presidential campaign without specifying the model. She has stated that the purpose of owning the Glock is for personal safety and home defense, emphasizing her law enforcement background. However, confusion arises as the Glock does not comply with California’s microstamping law—a 2007 legislation enforced under her tenure—which requires new firearms to have this feature.
Criticism and Policy Implications
The revelation of her Glock ownership has intensified scrutiny from both gun rights advocates and critics. Many view it as contradictory, considering her history of supporting bans on firearms such as those without microstamping technology. Gun rights organizations argue that a double standard exists, questioning why she retains ownership of a firearm that’s restricted by laws she oversaw or endorsed. This tension illustrates the ongoing national debate over gun control.
“Kamala says she owns a Glock,” echoed country music star John Rich. “She was also in favor of banning what she called ‘high capacity magazines’ which is anything over 7 rounds. Every Glock magazine holds at least ten rounds, and most hold more than 15.”
Proponents of these laws stress the importance of public safety and the role of such legislation. Critics argue that lawmakers should embody the principles they advocate, highlighting the gap between political advocacy and personal practice. While Harris’s campaign underscores support for universal background checks and assault weapons bans, it distances itself from mandatory gun buybacks, aiming to assure voters about gun rights.
“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
Harris’s Position and the Public Perception
Harris maintains her stance advocating for a balanced approach to gun regulations. She stresses the significance of red flag laws and universal background checks as primary measures while defending her personal ownership of a Glock. Nonetheless, amid public discussions on gun rights, some query her declarations and raise doubts about the alignment of her personal and public policies.
“I have a Glock, and– I’ve had it for quite some time,” Harris said. “And– I mean, look, Bill, my background is in law enforcement. And– so there you go.”
Debates over the safety and legality of her firearm, compounded by California’s legislative backdrop, test public and political standards. The broader implications continue to contribute to the nation’s complex discourse on individual rights versus public safety and the standards officials must uphold.
Sources:
- Harris questioned for owning gun classified as ‘unsafe’ weapon in California
- Kamala Harris Says She Owns a Glock
- Kamala Harris says she owns a Glock despite supporting handgun bans in SF, prompting speculation it’s unregistered