Blog Briefing Room

Ariz. candidate: Mass shooters are Dems

A Republican House candidate in Arizona said nearly all mass shootings have been perpetrated by Democrats, and Republican gun owners have not been a problem, according to a published report.

“If you look at all the fiascos that have occurred, 99 percent of them have been by Democrats pulling their guns out and shooting people,” said Gary Kiehne, a candidate for Arizona’s first congressional district, the Arizona Daily Star reported.

{mosads}Kiehne’s comments came at a debate among candidates vying for the Republican nomination in the primary election in August. The winner will run against Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D), the incumbent.

“So I don’t think you have a problem with the Republicans,” Kiehne added.

Kiehne said he owns more guns and ammunition than the other candidates, and that everyone should own a gun.

Adam Kwasman called gun ownership “a God-given, natural right,” the Star reported.

Kirkpatrick has told the Star that she is open to gun control measures including bans on assault weapons. She specifically supports efforts to stop illegal gun trafficking, increased awareness of mental health issues and strengthening the requirements on background checks.