In a recent interview with CBS's "60 Minutes," Vice President Kamala Harris revealed that she is a gun owner, a statement that has sparked discussion amid ongoing national debates around gun control. During the interview with Bill Whitaker, Harris mentioned that she owns a Glock and has had the weapon for "quite some time." She also disclosed that she has fired the gun at a shooting range, adding a personal dimension to the public discussion about gun ownership in the United States.
Harris had previously acknowledged her ownership of a firearm during her tenure as a U.S. Senator and reiterated this fact while running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2019. She explained that, like many other Americans, she owns a gun for personal safety. An aide confirmed at the time that Harris had purchased the handgun years prior and that it remains securely locked up.
This admission has taken center stage in light of her role as Vice President, particularly given the Biden administration's stance on gun control. Harris has been an advocate for stricter gun regulations, including universal background checks and bans on assault weapons. Her personal ownership of a gun has led to conversations about how individuals—especially public figures—balance their stance on gun reform with personal safety concerns.
During a campaign event with Oprah Winfrey on September 19, Harris joked about her gun ownership, saying, "If somebody breaks into my house, they're getting shot." While the comment was made in a lighthearted manner, it touched on the broader issue of self-defense, which is often a key argument made by gun rights advocates.
On the other side of the political spectrum, former President Donald Trump has had his own challenges with gun ownership. This past summer, there were reports that his New York gun license was suspended after he was indicted on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. Trump's concealed carry permit was reportedly revoked in April 2023, in accordance with state law, which typically suspends such licenses after a conviction. The details surrounding Trump's gun ownership remain unclear, as his application has been kept confidential.
The discussion surrounding Harris' gun ownership highlights the complexities and nuances of the gun debate in the United States. While gun control advocates push for more stringent regulations, many Americans, including public figures, continue to cite personal safety as a key reason for owning firearms. As the 2024 election cycle heats up, these revelations are likely to fuel further discussions on how policymakers balance gun rights with the need for public safety.