The 2020 Democrat first responded by stating that he’d never heard this argument before. Then, O’Rourke suggested that owners of AR-15s should possibly consider storing these firearms at gun ranges or hunting clubs.
In O’Rourke’s own words:
“Perhaps a way to address a legitimate concern or need is to ensure that those who have or want to use an AR-15 are able to keep it at a hunting club or at a gun range; [this way] there is some control and safeguards still placed on that firearm.”
See for yourself:
A student in Des Moines today told @BetoORourke that he hunts using an AR-15, arguing it's less painful for the animal.
O'Rourke said maybe those who want to use an AR-15 to hunt "could keep it at a hunting club or at a gun range," & committed to listening to all points of view pic.twitter.com/RqGuqtdHEE
— Maura Barrett (@MauraBarrettNBC) October 25, 2019
Even in this scenario, O’Rourke is still policing AR-15 owners to some extent; however, it’s a notable difference from vowing to take AR-15s from Americans and threatening to use the police as muscle.
Another Shift on Gun Policy?
Despite the events which transpired over the weekend, O’Rourke has not publicly come out and stated that he no longer supports mandatory buyback programs. The talk of having AR-15 owners store their weapons at hunting clubs or gun ranges is a lighter approach than an outright confiscation; however, this still marks a shift on gun policy for O’Rourke.
