2016 Presidential Race: Ben Carson Suggests Arming Teachers to Combat Gun Violence
While many are calling for stricter gun laws in the light of the mass shooting at a community college in Oregon, presidential hopeful Ben Carson is calling for the U.S. to arm more people to prevent future tragedies.
The Republican candidate appeared in an interview with USA Today's "Capital Download," in which he suggested it would make sense to arm teachers with guns.
"If I had a little kid in kindergarten somewhere I would feel much more comfortable if I knew on that campus there was a police officer or somebody who was trained with a weapon," Carson said. "If the teacher was trained in the use of that weapon and had access to it, I would be much more comfortable if they had one than if they didn't."
Carson criticized proposals made by other presidential candidates, such as Hilary Clinton, to establish stronger gun laws or restore a ban on military-style assault weapons.
"Would that have prevented this? No," said Carson, referring to the recent tragedy at Umpqua Community College. "Would it have prevented the one before? No. I'm for doing things that work, not for things that stroke the emotions."
Instead of focusing on strengthening gun laws, Carson said better efforts need to be made in the field of mental health to identify potential mass shooters.
When asked about his past stance on gun control, Carson acknowledged that he had once supported a ban on assault weapons. However, his opinion changed after he read up on the history of tyranny in Europe. He said American citizens' right to arms was essential to defend against potential government tyranny.
Carson reinforced his stance on gun violence through social media.
"I saw plenty of gun violence as a child. Both of my cousins were killed on the streets," wrote Carson on Facebook. "As a Doctor, I spent many a night pulling bullets out of bodies. There is no doubt that this senseless violence is breathtaking -- but I never saw a body with bullet holes that was more devastating than taking the right to arm ourselves away."
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