Biden recommends shotguns to Americans to defend their homes

US Vice-President Joe Biden has recommended US homeowners buy shotguns to defend their homes. Biden’s comments in a 20-minute question and answer session on Facebook on Tuesday came as a result of Obama’s plans to curb gun violence.

The vice-president owns two shotguns which are locked in a cabinet in his house in Delaware. During the video he describes the explicit instructions given to his wife, Jill, on how to deal with an intruder.

“We live in an area that’s wooded and secluded,” Biden said. “I said, ‘Jill, if there’s ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony here… put that double-barrelled shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house.’”

“I promise you, whoever’s coming in is not going to,” Biden added. “You don’t need an AR-15 [assault rifle]. It’s harder to aim. It’s harder to use. And in fact, you don’t need 30 rounds to protect yourself. Buy a shotgun. Buy a shotgun.”

Biden is a firm believer in shotguns – in a similar chat on Google+ in January, he stated that in times of national emergency, such as earthquakes which could cause disturbance, “if you want to save lives…buy some shotgun shells”.

Some of Obama’s gun control proposals have been met with stiff opposition from the US gun lobby and its advocates on Capitol Hill, including a ban on the sale of assault weapons and high capacity ammunition clips.

Eleanor Mackay