Vice President Kamala Harris is facing backlash following a statement made during an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

In the interview, Harris remarked that if someone were to break into her home, they would be "getting shot," and though the comment quickly went viral, it was later clarified by Harris's top aide as a joke meant to make a point about responsible gun ownership, as the Post Millennial reports.

Harris's remarks about shooting intruders caught the attention of gun control advocates and critics alike, leading to widespread discussion on social media.

While the comment gained traction, Harris's top aide, Keisha Lance Bottoms, stepped in to clarify the vice president's intent, explaining that the statement was not meant to be taken literally and emphasizing that Harris respects the Second Amendment.

Top Aide Defends Vice President's Stance

Bottoms addressed the controversy head-on, stating, “It was a joke, and she knew that we would still be talking about it today.”

The Harris aide went on to reiterate that the VP stands behind responsible gun ownership, and while her statement may have been made in jest, it still reflected a broader point about the right to self-defense.

“I think it‘s important that people know that the vice president respects the right to bear arms, that she supports the Second Amendment, but she wants responsible gun ownership, and she wants our communities to be safe,” Bottoms said.

Despite the clarification, Harris’s comments opened the door for discussions about her evolving stance on gun control. Harris has been a vocal advocate for gun safety measures throughout her career, and while she has previously supported mandatory gun confiscation programs, her rhetoric on the issue has softened in recent years.

Harris Pushes For "Common Sense" Gun Laws

During the interview, Harris took the opportunity to emphasize that she does not intend to take guns away from all Americans.

"Here’s my point, Oprah, I’m not trying to take everyone’s guns away,” she explained, pointing out that her focus remains on responsible ownership and gun safety measures. Harris made clear her support for policies like "red flag laws," which allow authorities to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others.

Harris also highlighted her belief in banning "weapons of war," a term often used to describe assault-style weapons. She argued that these types of firearms have no place in civilian hands, though the precise definition of "assault weapons" remains a contentious issue. The AR-15, for example, is one firearm often cited in these discussions.

Debate Over Gun Terminology Continues

One challenge in the gun control debate is the lack of a universally agreed-upon definition for "assault weapons." The term is often used to describe semi-automatic firearms that resemble military weapons, but legal definitions vary. The Department of Justice once described such weapons as "civilian, semiautomatic version of a military weapon" in a 2003 paper, but interpretations have shifted over time.

Harris referred to her proposals as "common sense" solutions, framing her approach as one that balances the Second Amendment with public safety.

Her focus on "red flag laws" and restrictions on "weapons of war" aligns with President Joe Biden’s administration, which has historically supported similar measures, including stricter background checks for those under 21 and an assault weapons ban.

Biden's Alignment on Gun Restrictions

President Biden has been a longtime advocate for gun reform, and Harris’s stance aligns closely with the administration’s priorities. Biden has pushed for measures such as background checks, particularly for younger buyers, and he has voiced support for reinstating a federal assault weapons ban. These efforts reflect a broader trend within the Democratic Party to address gun violence while still supporting responsible gun ownership.

Despite these proposals, Harris has emphasized that her aim is not to infringe on Americans' constitutional rights. Her comments during the Oprah interview were an attempt to strike a balance between safety and the Second Amendment, though the initial remark about shooting intruders was seen by some as inflammatory.

Conclusion: Harris's Clarification Leaves Room for Debate

In response to the controversy, Harris’s team has made it clear that her statement about shooting intruders was intended as a joke.

However, the broader conversation surrounding gun control, "red flag laws," and restrictions on certain firearms continues to generate discussion.

Harris remains committed to pushing for "common sense" gun reforms while defending the Second Amendment, and her comments reflect a complex balancing act as she navigates public opinion on the issue.