While pointing out the differences between himself and Hillary Clinton, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made statements at a rally Tuesday in Wilmington, North Carolina, that could or did suggest violence.
âHillary wants to abolish â essentially abolish â the Second Amendment,â he said as the audience booed.
âIf she gets to pick her judges: Nothing you could do, folks â although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is. I donât know,â he added with the crowd laughing and whistling. âBut Iâll tell you what, that will be a horrible day (pause) if, if Hillary gets to put her judges.â
Because of the lack of clarity, critics interpreted the comment as Trump suggesting gun rights advocates will take up arms if Clinton, as president, nominates Justices to the Supreme Court.
âThe threat of gun violence towards a political opponent, their possible appointees, or the United States government is unacceptable from anyone, even in jest, and is especially egregious from a candidate for the highest office in the land,â said Josh Horwitz, executive director for the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.
Horwitz said in his statement the point-of-view Trump used in his comment â of an armed insurrectionist â has been mainstreamed by the National Rifle Association, an pro-gun organization that endorsed Trump in April at its annual convention.
The gun lobbyâs focus this campaign has been telling its members that Clinton would appoint Justices who would overturn or rule against pro-gun cases in the high court and effectively abolish the Second Amendment.
While Clintonâs stated efforts do not include outright abolishing the Second Amendment, she does promote sweeping gun control measures that have been advocated by leading gun control groups.
Gabby Giffords, a former Arizona Congresswoman who was the subject of vitriolic political comments before an assassination attempt in 2011, called Trumpâs rhetoric dangerous and reckless.
âWe must draw a bright red line between political speech and suggestions of violence,â Giffords said. âResponsible, stable individuals wonât take Trumpâs rhetoric to its literal end, but his words may provide a magnet for those seeking infamy. They may provide inspiration or permission for those bent on bloodshed.â
Giffords released her statement with her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly. Together they lead gun control advocacy group Americans for Responsible Solutions.
Clintonâs campaign, like many, responded Trumpâs comment on social media to condemn calls for violence. âThis is simpleâwhat Trump is saying is dangerous. A person Seeking to be the President of the United States should not suggest violence in any way,â said Robby Mook, Clintonâs campaign manager.
After the backlash, Trumpâs campaign affirmed the resilience of pro-gun advocates in a press release titled âTrump campaign statement on dishonest media.â
âItâs called the power of unification â Second Amendment people have amazing spirit and are tremendously unified, which gives them great political power,â said Jason Miller, Trumpâs senior communications advisor. âAnd this year, they will be voting in record numbers, and it wonât be for Hillary Clinton, it will be for Donald Trump.â
There are only a few things that get me truly excited as an absolute precision-rifle junkie, and the American-made Steiner Optics T6Xi 5-30x56 riflescope is one of those things.
We got a sneak peek at Taran Tactical Innovationsâ Pit Viper â a $7,000 custom-built ultimate 2011 â from the âJohn Wick: Chapter 4â movie set to release in March 2023.
Boasting classy lines, a well-recognized pedigree, and great ergos for a small all-steel gun, Smith & Wessonâs take on the Walther PPK/s aimed to revive an old carry king in the increasingly polymer-focused concealed carry market.
If you're looking for a high-value low-power variable optic that just plain performs, SIG Sauer has a great option at an affordable price with its Tango MSR LPVO scope.