Gun control won’t help reduce violence, according to CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp. “Where we have the highest rates of gun control we also have the highest rates of crime,” said Schlapp, who also chairs the American Conservative Union, one of the largest and oldest conservative lobbying groups in the country. “If we’re going to jump to gun control as a solution to this problem of violence, we’re being deceitful to people,” he adds. “It’s really not going to solve the problem.” His statements, though, do contrast with other research. The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, for example, found that states with stricter gun laws, such as California, Connecticut, and New York, generally have lower rates of gun-related deaths. The most recent mass shooting in Parkland, Fla., hung over this year’s CPAC conference, which kicked off in Maryland on Wednesday. The attack has ignited a national movement -- helmed by the teenage survivors -- pushing for reform. Perhaps their efforts were responsible for a concession from Schlapp. “I would also admit that we’re at a time where I think we ought to do a lot more listening and learning and hearing people out,” adds Schlapp.

Share:
More In Politics
Stay Home for the Holidays or Get Tested Twice, CDC Urges
The health agency also announced new guidelines that shorten recommended quarantines after close contact with someone infected with coronavirus. Now people can resume normal activity after 10 days, or seven days if they receive a negative test result.
Americans Face New COVID-19 Restrictions After Thanksgiving
Americans returning home from Thanksgiving break are facing strict new coronavirus measures around the country as health officials brace for a disastrous worsening of the out-of-control surge because of holiday gatherings over the long weekend.
Load More