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Swalwell focuses on gun violence in 2020 campaign event near Parkland

Eric Swalwell seeks to stand out in a crowded field of 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls with a focus on gun control.
Eric Swalwell at a town hall near the site of the 2018 Parkland school massacre in Florida Tuesday. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) vowed at a town hall near the Parkland school massacre site in Florida Tuesday he would make curbing gun violence his 2020 campaign priority, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

What he's saying: Standing beside Parkland activists Cameron Kasky, 18, and Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter died in the 2018 shooting, he said he'd discuss issues including education and climate change during his campaign. "But my pledge to you tonight is that this issue comes first," he said.

Details: Swalwell praised activists borne out of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school massacre for inspiring lawmakers as well as the whole nation, according to the Guardian.

  • "Hope died in Parkland over a year ago," Swalwell said. "But in a uniquely American way, through the strength and courage of our children, hope was born here, too."

The big picture: Swalwell proposes to implement a federal ban and buyback of military-style assault weapons — similar to New Zealand's action following the March 15 Christchurch mosque attacks.

  • "We can have a country where you can keep your pistols, keep your rifles, keep your shotguns, but we’re able to unite and take the most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the most dangerous people," he said at the town hall,

Go deeper: Eric Swalwell: Everything you need to know about the 2020 candidate

Eric Swalwell