Maggie AstorCompte certifié

Harris talks about systemic problems that breed violence, esp. in communities of color. "People think, OK, we want to create safe communities, that’s the criminal justice system. Wrong. The goal should be safe & healthy communities bc healthy communities create safe communities."

That means economic resources, public schools, health resources, etc, she says. "If there is not economic opportunity in a community, you will see people go to other ways to survive."

In talking about public schools, and the importance of education in preventing violence, Harris sharply criticizes Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. "She's trying to put guns in the hands of teachers. You know what those teachers want? They want a raise."

Harris says we need to abandon "the idea that the way you get safety in a community is to put more police on the streets. That will not be effective. That is reactive. That is not clear about the goal."

A trauma surgeon asks how Harris would prevent people who are suicidal from getting guns. (He's at the event with 3 other surgeons and says, "Frankly, this is our lane." Clear jab at the NRA, whose leaders have said doctors who call for gun control should "stay in their lane.")

Harris says universal background checks can identify some people who might be a danger to themselves, as can red-flag laws. She criticizes people who suggest that improving mental health services is an alternative to changing gun laws. "We need to do both."

Melvin asks whether Harris is concerned that anything she accomplishes through executive action, instead of legislation, could be overturned by the next president. "Craig," she says, "I will deal with that in eight years."

"Come to me with this problem in eight years, but right now I'm fixing to do something about it," Harris says after talking about how terrified many students and teachers are.