NEW YORK (Michigan News Source) – The first and only vice-presidential debate between U.S. Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz took place on Tuesday night. One of the questions by the moderators addressed the “gun violence epidemic,” particularly those in schools. For Michiganders, the topic hit close to home.

“Earlier this year, the parents of a school shooter were convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to ten years in prison,” said moderator Norah O’Donnell, referencing James and Jennifer Crumbley. They are the parents of the Oxford High School shooter who are now serving their sentences for giving their son the gun used in the 2021 killings. “Do you think holding parents responsible could curb mass shootings?” She asked.

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Vance responded first, admitting he did not know the particulars of the Crumbley case. However, he said “I certainly trust law enforcement” when it comes to piecing together alleged crimes.

He also lamented, “We have to do better.” Vance continued, “I think Gov. Walz and I actually probably agree that we need do better on this. The question is how do we actually do it?”

Vance admits that while he doesn’t love the idea, he said “We have to increase security in our schools. We have to make the doors lock better, the doors stronger, the windows stronger. And of course we’ve got to increase school resource officers.”

This comment likely rang true for Michiganders. Earlier this year, the Democratic-led legislature slashed funding for mental health services and school resource officers by $300 million. They recently tried to reinstate half of that with a supplemental bill.

Vance ended his two minute response by calling for bipartisan solutions to make schools safer. “The idea that we can magically wave a wand and take guns out of the hands of bad guys it just doesn’t fit with recent experience,” Vance said.

During Gov. Walz’s response to the same question, he stated his son witnessed a shooting at a community center while playing volleyball. “I’m a hunter. I own firearms. [So is] the vice president], Walz said. “We understand the Second Amendment is there but our first responsibility is to our kids.”

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Walz also went on to talk about his record in Minnesota. “We passed enhanced red flag laws and background checks. There are reasonable things we can do to make a difference,” he said. “The idea to have some of these weapons out there just doesn’t make any sense.”

Conversations regarding gun violence and possible solutions will continue to play a role in this campaign, as well as for voters in Michigan. Vance is making two stops in Michigan on Wednesday. Walz attended the U of M verse Minnesota football game on Saturday. Former President Donald Trump will stop by Saginaw on Thursday while Vice President Harris will swing by Flint on Friday.