A candidate running for US Senate has suggested arming homeless people with shotguns in an attempt to reduce crime.
Brian Ellison, a Libertarian, is running in Michigan against Democrat Debbie Stabenow, who currently holds office. He has said that as homeless people are 'constantly victims of violent crimes' the US should consider arming them with pump-action shotguns as a deterrent, the Guardian reports.
Ellison told the paper that he opted for a pump-action shotgun for practical reasons.
"Frankly I think the ideal weapon would be a pistol," he told the Guardian.
"But due to the licensing requirements in the state we're going to have a hard enough time getting homeless people shotguns as it is.
"Getting them pistols is probably next to impossible. The pistols need to be registered, people have to have addresses."
Advert
Ellison, who is expected to be the Libertarian Party's candidate in the November elections, is a former solider - he has previously served in Iraq and told the news outlet he's running for office because he wants to 'try and make a difference'.
And I dare say that by doling out pump-action shotguns to the homeless population he will certainly manage that.
He was also quick to point out that he wouldn't be forcing homeless people to carry guns - so that's good - saying: "The first thing that we're going to do is ask them if they think this is something that would benefit them. We're certainly not trying to force anything on anybody."
Naturally, if you're handing out guns, there also needs to be ammunition, and Ellison said this would be provided, with additional shells handed over if they had used their guns legitimately.
To answer what I assume is you're next question, Ellison told the news outlet that he didn't think the plan was dangerous.
Advert
He said he was worried about the police being armed with military weapons, adding that we 'live in a scary world where the police who used to dress in short-sleeved shirts and carry a revolver now have long rifles with scopes and bulletproof vests and armoured vehicles'.
He has since tweeted to say that he believes those who are claiming it's the 'worst idea ever' are being melodramatic.
Advert
Opening up about other policies, he told the Guardian that
he would focus on 'minority rights' and would oppose foreign military intervention.
Source: The Guardian
Featured Image Credit: ellison4senate.com