Elections

Chris Christie Defends Signing Terror Watch List Gun Ban As Governor [VIDEO]

Derek Draplin Associate Editor
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Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie on Sunday touted a bill he signed as governor of New Jersey that banned firearms for people on the terrorist watch list.

Appearing on “Fox News Sunday,” Christie told host Chris Wallace that, “I think most Americans believe that if you’re on the terror watch list you shouldn’t be able to buy guns,” but added that as president he would “protect Second Amendment rights.”

Chris Wallace: The record seems to indicate, sir, that you have flipped on gun control. They know, critics do, that in 2013 when you were running for re-election that you signed 10 bills tightening gun restrictions, including banning handgun purchases by people on the terror watch list, and the NRA that year when you were running for re-election only gave you a C. They, say, critics do and some of them, yes, your rivals, say that you have changed your tune on gun control since running for president.

Chris Christie: I haven’t changed my tune, Chris. In fact, I signed the bill that banned guns for people on the terror watch list. As president, I would make sure the terror watch list is accurate, but I think most Americans believe that if you’re on the terror watch list you shouldn’t be able to buy guns, but I also have vetoed the 50-caliber rifle ban, I’ve also vetoed a statewide I.D. system, I’ve also vetoed a reduction in the magazine ban and I’ve also pardoned six different folks so far who have been caught up very unfairly in my view in New Jersey’s gun laws. So listen, the approach I’m going to take is to protect Second Amendment rights but also to make sure that I make decisions that are in the best interests of the people of New Jersey. I think that’s what the people of the United States want, that’s the kind of president I’m gonna be.

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