Beto O’Rourke recently demonstrated an abrupt shift in his position on the Second Amendment, specifically when he stated that he is apparently “not interested” in making Texans turn over their guns to authorities. This statement marks a departure from O’Rourke’s position during the 2020 election cycle, when he ran as a potential Democrat candidate.
“I’m not interested in taking anything from anyone,” O’Rourke proclaimed, according to ABC affiliate KLTV.
Instead, the aspiring Texas governor claims he is now interested in “[defending] the Second Amendment.”
“I want to make sure that we protect our fellow Texans far better than we’re doing right now,” O’Rourke brayed, adding that he also wants Texans “to listen to law enforcement.”
Humorously, O’Rourke proclaimed that Governor Abbott has “refused” to listen to law enforcement.
Per O’Rourke, Abbott has effectively “turned his back” on law enforcement departments, specifically by “[signing] that permit-less carry bill” which ostensibly “endangers the lives” of police officers.
“[Texas has] seen more cops and sheriff’s deputies gunned down than in any other,” O’Rourke intoned.
The permit-less carry bill effectively eliminates the requirement for residents across Texas to obtain a license for carrying a handgun, provided that neither the state nor federal government prevents them from owning a gun, per the Texas Tribune. In addition, the legislation also provides for the elimination of requisite training requirements.
On his part, O’Rourke has called for “expanded” background checks for the purposes of purchasing guns, as well as other measures that will allegedly combat gun violence.
In the past, O’Rourke has openly supported more extreme movements, including a mandatory gun buyback program, as demonstrated during a September 2019 presidential debate for the Democrat Party.
“Hell, yes, we’re going to take your AR-15, your AK-47,” O’Rourke baldly declared.
