Billionaire business magnate Elon Musk told CNBC via emails on Wednesday that he is in favor of “tight background checks” for all firearm sales and that he supports restricting assault weapon sales to individuals in special situations, such as gun range proprietors or individuals residing in a “high risk location, [such as an area with prolific] gang warfare.”
Musk also noted that he thinks the right to bear arms serves as a critical check against the possibility of tyrannical governments.
“Regarding recent events, the shooters are obviously doing this to generate the most amount of attention possible. Why is the media doing exactly what the mass murderers want?” Musk wrote, according to the outlet.
“I strongly believe that the right to bear arms is an important safeguard against potential tyranny of government. Historically, maintaining their power over the people is why those in power did not allow public ownership of guns,” Musk noted.
Musk, who plans to purchase Twitter and transform it into a platform that upholds the principle of free speech, said last week that he plans to vote Republican.
“In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican. Now, watch their dirty tricks campaign against me unfold …” Musk tweeted.
Business Insider reported last week about sexual misconduct allegations made against Musk, but Musk has denied the veracity of the claims.
“In my 30 year career, including the entire MeToo era, there’s nothing to report, but, as soon as I say I intend to restore free speech to Twitter & vote Republican, suddenly there is …” Musk tweeted.
SpaceX president and COO Gwynne Shotwell noted in an email to employees last week that she thinks the allegations against Musk are untrue.
“Personally, I believe the allegations to be false; not because I work for Elon, but because I have worked closely with him for 20 years and never seen nor heard anything resembling these allegations,” Shotwell noted in the email to employees, according to CNBC.