(NewsNation) — Tim Walz and JD Vance offered differing views on solutions to the wave of school shootings.
Vance said schools need to increase security after moderators asked about gun violence.
“We have to increase security in our schools,” Vance said, suggesting more school resource officers and stronger doors and windows. “I don’t want my kids to go to school in a school that feels unsafe,” Vance said.
Vance said he trusts local law enforcement to make decisions on where the onus lies in shooting situations.
“A lot of kids are going to experience this terrible epidemic of gun violence,” Vance said. “Of course, our hearts go out to the families that are affected by this terrible stuff.”
Walz said part of the solution is more research into gun violence. He said that just living with fear and fortifying schools could be something of the past if research points to new solutions.
“I’m a hunter. I own firearms. The vice president is. We understand that the Second Amendment is there, but our first responsibility is to our kids, to figure this out,” Walz said.
Vance, Walz share moment over gun violence story
Vance and Walz shared a notable moment of mutual respect and civility after the Minnesota governor shared a story about his son witnessing gun violence.
“I got a 17-year-old and, and he witnessed a shooting at a community center playing volleyball. Those things don’t leave you,” Walz said.
Walz contended that Republicans’ proposals on gun violence don’t go “far enough.” He said this was “a good start to the conversation” and he was confident both he and Vance agreed the issue of school shootings was “abhorrent.”
“Tim, first of all, I didn’t know that your 17-year-old witnessed a shooting. I’m sorry about that and I hope that he’s doing OK. Christ, have mercy,” Vance responded.
NewsNation’s Anna Kutz contributed to this report.