Kemp, Abrams clash over gun laws in Georgia gubernatorial debate
At the Georgia gubernatorial debate on Monday night, Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams and Republican Gov. Brian Kemp argued over background checks for gun purchases in the state.
Video Transcript
BRIAN KEMP: I would just let people at home know the largest, fastest-growing segment of the population that's buying handguns and firearms is African Americans and females. You know why? Because the criminals are the only ones that do have the guns. You have local governments that are holding up concealed weapon permits that are keeping law-abiding citizens from being able to simply use their Second Amendment right to protect themselves, and their property, and their families. I certainly support that.
- Thank you.
STACEY ABRAMS: Mr. Hazel-- may I respond?
- Yes. 30 seconds.
STACEY ABRAMS: Let's be clear. I believe that we can protect the Second Amendment and protect second graders at the exact same time. That means that, yes, more people are buying guns, but that's because they think that's the only way to protect themselves because guns have flooded our streets. These are communities that want to be safe. They don't want to have to carry weapons.
I know how to shoot. My great-grandmother taught me. But I know that the person who is most responsible is the person who holds the weapon. And that is why I will quote Ronald Reagan-- "Trust, but verify." And because of the criminal carry law that Brian Kemp signed into law, there is no longer a background check for those who have concealed carry permits. That makes all of us less safe.
- Thank you very much.
- How are you going to take the guns?
BRIAN KEMP: Don, Don, if could respond.
How is she going to take the guns? That's a great question.
- We really want to move on.
BRIAN KEMP: Well, there is a--
- 30 seconds.
BRIAN KEMP: --federal background check. There is a federal background check on every individual that buys a firearm in the United States of America.
- Which shouldn't exist either.
STACEY ABRAMS: That is not true.
BRIAN KEMP: Well, the point--
STACEY ABRAMS: Mr. Kemp, that's not true.
BRIAN KEMP: I understand the point you're making, but the point is when you buy a firearm, you get a background check.
STACEY ABRAMS: Mr. Kemp, if you--
BRIAN KEMP: None of the laws were changed on a--
STACEY ABRAMS: Mr. Kemp, if you purchased a weapon in Georgia through a gun sale or a private sale--
BRIAN KEMP: Well, Ms. Abrams--
STACEY ABRAMS: --through a gun show or private sale--
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
- We're going to have to move on.
BRIAN KEMP: --I have not interrupted you tonight.
STACEY ABRAMS: I apologize.
- Candidates, we have to move on.
STACEY ABRAMS: I do apologize, Mr. Kemp.
- I'm going to allow--
