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GOP debate: Internet reacts to Vivek Ramaswamy's 'mental health' and 'faith-based' solution to curb gun violence

'More cops on the streets, who are on the streets, are able to do their jobs without looking over their shoulder for getting sued,' Vivek Ramaswamy said

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: The economy, gun violence, abortion rights, and Donald Trump have been some of the talking points in the GOP debate so far, and Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy vocalized his opinion on gun-based violence and crimes and how he plans to curb it.

When asked about what he would do about guns, the majority of his responses included mentions of the mental health crisis in the US.

When a clip of Ramaswamy talking about the issue of gun violence in the GOP debate was posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Internet couldn't hold back from sharing their perspectives on the Republican candidate's stance. 

Vivek Ramaswamy’s response to gun violence

When the Fox News anchor, who's live at the GOP debate, Bret Baier, asked Vivek Ramaswamy, "What does the President Ramaswamy do about guns?" the candidate responded, "So the reality is that we have a crime wave in this country and we know how to fix it, the question is, do we actually have the spine to do it?"

Ramaswamy continued, "More cops on the streets, who are on the streets, are able to do their jobs without looking over their shoulder for getting sued."

"We also have a mental health epidemic in this country, just over the same period that we have closed mental health institutions we have seen a spike in violent crime. Do we have the spine to bring them back? As the president I will. But it’s not just drugging up people in those psychiatric institutions with Zoloft and Seroquel," asserted the candidate. 

He also expressed, "It’s a deeper issue. I think faith-based approaches can play a role here too." 

Internet responds to Vivek Ramaswamy's mention of mental health and faith concerning gun violence

The Internet has had a mixed response to Ramaswamy's take on gun violence that he mentioned during the GOP debate.

One person wrote, "Vivek Ramaswamy is not wrong that mental health is a part of the gun problem. Then he says we closed mental health hospitals. But doesn't mention that was Ronald Reagan who is his inspiration for his run, he says... Interesting." 

"Gun violence isn’t a gun problem, it’s a mental health problem. Once again @VivekGRamaswamy is on target. This man consistently hits the bullseye. The fact everyone keeps attacking him more than anyone else should say something," said another. 

Others questioned his views on mental health, as a user stated, "Mental institutions?!?! This is the answer to violence?!?!"

"Vivek Ramaswamy says crime is not the only problem in America. He believes that there is a mental health crisis as well. My concern is whether HE has any self-awareness," expressed one, questioning if the candidate is even aware of the problems of the US. 

Moreover, some people took issue with Ramaswamy mentioning a "faith-based" approach, with one writing, "Vivek Ramaswamy just suggested a "faith based" solution to gun violence," and another added, "Vivek Ramaswamy legit thinks Faith will help gun issue."