Beto O’Rourke says he supports national gun licensing program

Beto O’Rourke is joining a number of his Democratic presidential rivals in support of a national gun licensing program.

The former Texas congressman said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” that states that require gun licensing, mandate universal background checks or stop the sales of assault-style weapons are saving lives. He says it makes sense to “adopt these solutions nationally.” (See his remarks in the video player at the bottom of this story.)

O’Rourke has remained in his hometown of El Paso since shortly after a gunman killed 22 people at a Walmart store on Aug. 3. Law enforcement officials say the suspect had an AK-47 rifle and was targeting Mexicans.

Other 2020 contenders who have released plans for national gun licensing include Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Sound Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg.