Kennedy Jr Says Can't 'Meaningfully' Reduce US Violence Epidemic Through Gun Control

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a potential rival to President Biden for the 2024 Democratic nomination, diverged from much of the Democratic Party’s stance on gun control during a town hall with NewsNation.

He argued that there is nothing policymakers can “meaningfully” do through gun control to reduce the gun violence epidemic in America, The Hill reports.

Gun Control and Gun Violence

When asked how he would use federal resources to slow gun violence, Kennedy expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of gun control measures.

“I do not believe that there is, within that second amendment, that there's anything we can meaningfully do to reduce the trade in the ownership of guns,” he said, according to the Hill. “Anybody who tells you that they're going to be able to reduce gun violence through gun control at this point I don't think is being realistic.”

See Also: RFK Jr. Says Will Not Attack Political Opponents Personally: ‘Proud That President Trump Likes Me’

Common Ground with Republicans

Kennedy’s stance on the limitations of gun control in addressing gun violence echoes a common Republican position. His comments align with those of Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who have both expressed doubts about the ability of gun control legislation to “fix” gun violence.

Assault Weapons Ban

Despite his skepticism about gun control, Kennedy did express support for a bipartisan assault weapons ban, a position that aligns with the majority of Democrats. “If we can get a consensus on it, if Republicans and Democrats agree to it and it passes Congress, I would sign it,” he said.

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