Former United States Representative Robert “Beto” O’Rourke visited the Newtown Community Center for a private event to speak with gun violence prevention advocates and the Newtown community, on the evening of Wednesday, October 30.

Mr O’Rourke represented Texas’ 16th congressional district and experienced a mass shooting in his hometown of El Paso earlier this year.

He is currently seeking the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2020.

Roughly one hundred attendees of all ages came out to the event, including members of the Newtown Action Alliance, Junior Newtown Action Alliance, Connecticut Against Gun Violence, Moms Demand Action, and the Newtown Democratic Town Committee.

Newtown Action Alliance Chairwoman Po Murray thanked the crowd before Mr O’Rourke had arrived, saying she is glad everyone came out to support the event.

When Mr O’Rourke entered the room, he shook hands with the public and police present, then said to the crowd gathered before him, “I’m very fortunate to be here among you and have the chance to listen to you. That’s why I came here. Believe it or not, as a politician, I am going to resist the temptation to talk… I really just want to have a chance to listen and learn from you.”

He specified that he is interested in the guidance and ideas the community can provide, given their experiences on the topic.

The first person to have the opportunity to ask a question was a local teenager, Anne Marie Carlson, whose mother, Cindy Carlson, is a member of Moms Demand Action.

“As a future teacher of the United States and a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting,” Anne Marie said, “I would like to know what your stance on arming teachers is and what you’re going to do to protect future students and elementary schools against the gun violence epidemic in our country.”

Mr O’Rourke responded that it is “a hard time to be a teacher,” not only because teachers are paying for supplies and lunches for students at their own expense, but also that now they have to make the “additional sacrifice” as a result of gun violence.

He says it is “going too far.”

Instead, Mr O’Rourke says he considers passing sensible gun legislation to be important, specifically “universal background checks, closing all loopholes, [and] establishing extreme risk protection orders/red flag laws in every community, every state in the country.”

He also shared that he supports buying back AK47s, to which there was a roar of applause from the audience.

Michael Song, father of 15-year-old Ethan Song whose accidental passing occurred after accessing an unlocked firearm at a friend’s home, was present at the event. He informed Mr O’Rourke about Ethan’s Law, a bipartisan gun safety bill in honor of his son, that the Senate passed earlier this year.

“Would you consider supporting a safe storage law?” He asked Mr O’Rourke.

Mr O’Rourke thanked Mr Song for his courage and sharing his story, then added that he would like to have his name added to support that law.

Those in opposition of Mr O’Rourke’s stance on gun violence prevention strategies were also in attendance at the private event, including a Newtown resident and mother who voiced her views against the democratic party and Mr O’Rourke.

During the Q&A, Mr O’Rourke also discussed his stance on voting rights, election reform, urban gun violence, violence against women, and finding common ground with all political parties.

He expressed support to the youth leading the gun violence prevention movement in the country, saying that throughout history, they were the demographic inspiring others and making change.

Mr O’Rourke also thanked all those that came out to share stories of their loved ones that passed away from gun violence.

“I really want to thank you all…” Mr O’Rourke said to those that came out and brought questions, suggestions, comments, and ideas. “Know that [as] a candidate, a nominee, or a private citizen of West Texas, I am with you every single step of the way until we fully and finally address these challenges brought up here tonight.”

For more information about Beto O’Rourke, visit betoorourke.com.