Matthew McConaughey Says Parkland-Led Gun Control Movement Can Get ‘Hijacked’ By Anti-Gun Activists
Mathew McConaughey shared his views about the ongoing gun control debate — and his fears for the future of the movement sparked by the Parkland students — while promoting his upcoming film in Las Vegas on Tuesday night.
The actor, who spoke at the March For Our Lives demonstration in his hometown of Austin, Texas, described gun violence as “an epidemic plaguing our country” in an interview with TIME. He then stressed the need for the gun control movement to include space for responsible gun owners and members of the National Rifle Association, so as not to be “hijacked” by anti-gun extremists.
“The two sides (have) got to talk. Because we both agree that there’s an epidemic. We both agree something has got to change,” McConaughey said Tuesday. “I was for what they were marching for, and I wanted to speak to my hometown on the capital of my state Texas’ steps. And also talk to the many men and women who I grew up with, I know that had the guns, that owned the guns, and say hey, do we really, where can we reach across the aisle here? Find a compromise for the betterment of all of us?”
His suggestions for the Parkland shooting survivors and gun control activists represent a common message from most gun owners. In fact, the vast majority of gun-owning Americans (97 percent) support universal background checks. Finding and supporting these common-ground solutions will help the movement continue progressing, McConaughey said.
Watch a clip of the interview via TIME here.
[image via screengrab]
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