What measures, if any, should we take on a federal level to reduce levels of gun violence?
U.S. Senator
Kelly Tshibaka
Republican candidate for U.S. Senator
As a mom of five school-aged children, I know that we must provide safe schools for our kids. I support greater funding directed towards mental health resources, which is at the root of many of the gun violence episodes we have seen recently. I also would support strengthening and improving the security in our nation’s schools.
We also must protect law-abiding citizens’ rights. Alaskans rely heavily on our Second Amendment rights, and I will oppose any effort to infringe on those rights. The incumbent voted for Biden’s red flag laws, which will result in some Alaskans losing their guns without due process of law. As a result, the NRA downgraded her rating. In contrast, I have the NRA’s highest rating and I’ve been endorsed by the Gun Owners of America.
(Editor’s note: Research shows that people who experience mental health challenges are more likely to be victims of gun violence or to die by suicide than to perpetrate violence on others.)
Lisa Murkowski
Republican candidate for U.S. Senator
As a gun owner and strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I voted for the Safer Communities Act to help address the rising level of mass shootings while fully protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The law allows us to better target illegal gun traffickers and enhances the review process for firearm purchases made by those under 21. We do not create national red flag laws, but we do allow states like Alaska to access funds to support programs like mental health and drug courts. This law provides an unprecedented sum — $3 billion — for mental health care and school safety resources to facilitate telehealth programs, crisis and trauma intervention, suicide prevention, and to access funds for school resources officers.
(Editor’s note: Research shows that people who experience mental health challenges are more likely to be victims of gun violence or to die by suicide than to perpetrate violence on others.)
Patricia Chesbro
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senator
Gun violence is the leading cause of death among young people. These deaths may be by accident, homicide or, in the majority of cases, suicide. Availability of firearms makes snap decisions easy. My friend’s brother had been depressed and his family moved their firearms to what they thought would be a safer location. Unfortunately, he found a weapon and committed suicide. Safe gun storage is essential to preventing these types of tragedies. Trigger locks should be applied to weapons; ammunition should be stored separately from guns; guns should be locked in secure storage, with limited access. I spoke with a person who had visited schools to present gun safety education to sixth grade students. Such education and more emphasis on safe gun storage could help to save lives. Gun manufacturers could include trigger locks with every weapon as well as safety suggestions. I believe it is usually difficult to predict who will commit violent crime, but we can perhaps curb some of the tragic rash decisions that cause death.