DES MOINES, Iowa — With a total of 17 candidates taking the stage, it was a lot of talking points to go through. Safe to say, the majority, if not all 17 of them supported universal background checks as well as banning assault-style weapons. Many candidates explicitly stated that there's no need for a regular person have these guns.
"These are weapons designed to kill human beings in a rapid way," Senator Bernie Sanders said.
The same goes for Red Flag laws, or Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Majority of the candidates agreed that the law that allows family members or law enforcement to petition for a temporary weapon removal from someone who might be a risk to themselves or others was a good idea.
RELATED: What are red flag gun laws?
Several candidates also brought different experiences or talking points that let them stand out. Ohio Representative Tim Ryan said he led a caravan of mothers concerned about gun violence to Louisville, KY to convince Senator Mitch McConnell to call the Senate back into session to talk about expanding background checks.
"Well over a thousand some say, maybe 1,500 people [were] in Kentucky, from five different states," Ryan said.
Senator Elizabeth Warren also announced she published a lengthy proposal Saturday morning that outlined how she would-- as President-- reduce gun-related deaths by 80 percent.
"I will introduce it in the first 100 days and I will help repeal the filibuster so we can actually get it passed in Congress," Warren said on stage.
Former Vice President Joe Biden brought up biometrics for guns, as in creating guns that unlock with specific thumbprints.
"Thumbprint. If that technology exists for that reason, then why in God's name can'y every solitary weapon sold in America?" he said.
And entrepreneur Andrew yang said companies that manufacture guns should also bear the burden.
"Any time your product gets used in a way that kills American citizens, we're going to hit you in the wallet," he said. "Do you think that might change their attitude? Yeah. That would work."
Out of the 22 Democratic contenders for the nomination, five of the candidates were not able to make it to this event.
Related video: Where does red flag legislation stand in MN?
Related video: How background checks work for gun sales
Related video: Gov. Walz considering special session on gun legislation
Related video: Minnesota groups to rally against gun violence
