What the United States needs to help stop the epidemic of gun violence is "more idiot control," Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said Tuesday.
Kennedy appeared on CNN and was asked what needs to be done in the wake of a deadly high school shooting in Florida that left 17 people — including 14 children — dead two weeks ago.
"I don't think we need more gun control laws," Kennedy said. "I think we need more idiot control. Look what happened here. There were what, 40 different calls placed on law enforcement authorities?"
Kennedy's last remark was in reference to the dozens of calls made to local and federal law enforcement about the alleged Florida shooter before the incident.
When asked to clarify what he meant by "idiot control," Kennedy said the term refers to people who commit acts of gun violence.
"I'm talking [about] the people who do this, some of whom are mentally ill. And to them I would say, OK, misuse of the word idiot. But I'm talking about other people," Kennedy said. "We just automatically assume some of these folks are mentally ill. I happen to believe there is evil in the world."
Kennedy noted there are plenty of tools and laws already on the books that should prevent mass shootings like the one in Florida from taking place.
He said the accused Florida shooter, who reportedly confessed to the crime, is "an idiot."
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