Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke promised "other consequences" for Americans who choose not to turn in their firearms under his gun confiscation plan.
O'Rourke was pressed by CNN debate moderator Anderson Cooper on how he planned to "take away weapons from people who do not want to give them up." He hinted at "other consequences" for individuals unwilling to voluntarily turn their weapons in
"If someone does not turn in an AR-15, or an AK-47, one of these weapons of war, or brings it out in public and brandishes it in an attempt to intimidate—as we saw in Kent State recently—then that weapon will be taken from them," Beto said. "If they persist, there will be other consequences from law enforcement."
O'Rourke did not elaborate on what those consequences would be.
O'Rourke first endorsed the idea of confiscating certain firearms during September's primary debate. His plan would not only ban new sales of so-called assault weapons, but would also require all Americans who own them to turn them in for an unspecified payment. The plan has received support from Senators Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) and Cory Booker (D., N.J.), but has otherwise faced backlash across the political spectrum.
O'Rourke's bold gun confiscation proposal did not translate into added momentum for his campaign, and he continues to poll near the bottom of the pack.