Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz told WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” that he wants to get assault weapons off the street, and he would work with Congress and skeptical gun owners on how to get that done.
“Look, we can protect the Second Amendment and make common sense reforms and make a difference,” he said in an interview that aired Wednesday. “Enhance background checks, extreme risk protection orders — and there’s absolutely no need for these assault weapons to be on the streets.”
In mentioning his background as a hunter, gun owner and veteran, Walz said the current state of gun violence in the U.S. was unacceptable.
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Firearm deaths in Wisconsin have risen year over year between 2018 and 2022, according to the latest report from the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort Educational Fund, which uses police data. Each year, most of the firearm deaths are suicides.
In Milwaukee, homicides and nonfatal shootings this year are declining compared to last year. Still, community leaders have said the numbers need to go further down. Residents have told WPR that gun violence is a top concern for them during this election season.
“I really appreciate the folks who are telling you that this is an issue,” Walz said. “(Vice President Kamala Harris) says this, too: It impacts your family, that’s one too many.”
Walz said he is more than willing to listen to gun owners for their thoughts on the particulars of gun legislation, like what restrictions could exist on matters such as magazine size.
“Wisconsin Today” has invited JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, for an interview. Walz and Vance have both made campaign stops in Wisconsin this week.
About a month ago, Harris joined the program and said she would support ending the filibuster to restore Roe v. Wade to protect abortion rights nationally.
At the time of Harris’ interview, WPR invited former President Donald Trump to appear on “Wisconsin Today.” To date, his campaign has not responded to the invitation.
Trump has said he wants to protect the rights of gun owners. PBS reported last month that Trump opposes bans on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. During his presidency, Trump banned bump stocks, but the U.S. Supreme Court this summer overturned that effort.
