Actor Ashton Kutcher inadvertently proved the point of gun rights advocates everywhere in a tweet he posted in response to the Thousand Oaks shooting calling for more gun control laws.
Perhaps trying to show his followers how easy it was to get a gun in the US, he shared that a friend had given him one as a gift – unaware that California laws already prohibit firearm transfers without a background check and a 10-day waiting period. They also prohibit possession of that gun without a license. Kutcher essentially admitted to breaking at least two laws on Twitter, in an effort to demonstrate how only laws will stop gun violence.
This isn't an either/or it's a both!Support mental health initiatives & support Gun Reform Now!! My friend gave me a gun as a gift in the parking lot of the borderline on my birthday. I've never shot it. I don't think I ever will.❤️to the families of the lost. Change is coming
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) November 9, 2018
Twitter was understandably nonplussed.
I think Ashton Kutcher just admitted to violating California law. Firearms transfers have to go through a federally licensed firearms dealer who performs a background check and holds the firearm for the mandatory 10-day waiting period. https://t.co/GN0TH1kzeO
— Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) November 9, 2018
And he misses the obvious point. Several actually. If it's that easy for him to receive a gun illegally, what laws - words on paper - could possibly prevent someone with criminal intent from doing the same.
— sam atman