Dean Rieck, Executive Director at Buckeye Firearms Association | LinkedIn
Dean Rieck, Executive Director at Buckeye Firearms Association | LinkedIn
The Harris-Walz administration's 2024 Democratic Party Platform, titled "Protecting Communities & Tackling the Scourge of Gun Violence," outlines several gun control measures. These include universal background checks, bans on "assault weapons" and standard-capacity magazines, mandatory safe-storage laws, the repeal of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, increased red-flag laws, and additional funding for the ATF, FBI, and CDC.
Critics argue that many of these proposals are unconstitutional. The platform's omissions are also a point of contention. According to Lee Williams, chief editor of the Second Amendment Foundation's Investigative Journalism Project, past actions and statements from Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz suggest more extensive measures might be forthcoming if they are elected.
Williams asserts that Harris has expressed support for a "mandatory buyback" of AR-15 rifles, which he interprets as a precursor to broader firearm confiscation efforts. He suggests this could extend to other popular firearms.
During the pandemic, Governor Walz faced criticism for his orders directing police to enforce lockdowns aggressively. Williams believes such actions indicate a willingness to use law enforcement to carry out potentially unconstitutional orders under a Harris-Walz administration.
Additionally, Williams highlights concerns about Harris' role in the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Established by President Joe Biden at former President Barack Obama's behest, this office operates with limited transparency. Williams contends it serves as an incubator for anti-gun policies disseminated to states with Democratic leadership.
Executive orders issued by Biden targeting homemade firearms have seen minimal resistance despite questions about their constitutionality. Williams predicts Harris would continue this trend with further executive actions aimed at gun control if she assumes higher office.
Williams concludes that the potential policies under a Harris-Walz administration would mirror those advocated by Obama during his tenure.
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