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Published 10:08 IST, September 11th 2024

Kamala Harris Too is Gun Owner, says 'She Won't Take It Away' from Americans

The debate, held in Philadelphia, marked the first face-off between Harris and Trump as they compete for closely watched 2024 presidential elections.

Reported by: Digital Desk
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Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during presidential debate
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during presidential debate | Image: AP
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Philadelphia: In a fiery debate with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Tuesday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris made headlines by revealing her personal stance on gun ownership. Amid Trump’s claims that Harris intended to confiscate firearms, the Vice President said that she is a gun owner herself and won't take away guns for gun owners. 

"Tim Walz and I are both gun owners. We’re not taking anybody’s guns away,” Harris said, referencing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in her rebuttal. Her statement was meant to reassure gun owners while also emphasizing the need for common-sense gun reforms, an issue central to the Democrats' platform. Harris first disclosed her gun ownership back in 2019, explaining at the time, "I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do — for personal safety. I was a career prosecutor." 

Kamala Harris Owns Handgun, Says in Debate with Trump 

The debate, held in Philadelphia, marked the first face-off between Harris and Trump as they compete for voters in the closely-watched 2024 presidential election. For nearly two hours, the two candidates sparred on a range of issues, offering voters starkly different visions of America’s future. From gun control and immigration to healthcare and the economy, the debate exposed the deep ideological divide between the candidates.

Trump, known for his combative debate style, aimed to paint Harris as a threat to the Second Amendment, a point he has often used to rally his conservative base. Harris, however, was quick to push back, making it clear that while she supports responsible gun ownership, she advocates for stricter measures to address gun violence, such as universal background checks and banning assault weapons.

The debate, broadcast live from the National Constitution Center, was billed as a crucial moment in the race, with both candidates vying for a chance to win over undecided voters. The absence of a live audience, due to COVID-19 restrictions, gave the debate a more restrained tone compared to previous encounters, but the intensity between Harris and Trump remained high throughout the night.

While no additional debates between Harris and Trump are currently scheduled, both campaigns left the door open for a possible second debate, adding further uncertainty to an already unpredictable election cycle. With just weeks remaining before the November election, the two candidates continue their race to sway voters in what could be one of the most consequential elections in recent American history.

10:08 IST, September 11th 2024