New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker once said he would ban guns if he “had the power.”

The 2020 Democratic presidential candidate made the comments during a July 2000 appearance on CSPAN’s “Washington Journal.” At the time, he was a member of the Newark, New Jersey Municipal Council.

WATCH:



“Would you ban guns?” asked the CSPAN host during a conversation on the call-in show.

“I am very much one that is against handguns,” Booker responded. “And I know, in my urban environment, I see little to no need for guns at all, and I think that the availability of guns and the ease with which even young people can get their hands on them is just horrendous, and I would, if I had the power to do so, I would. In fact, we’re even looking towards making, doing some local level handgun legislation. I’m going to take every step I can to get guns of the hands of those who commit crimes or those who might commit crimes.”

The 2020 Democratic presidential candidate has issued a series of gun control proposals, including licensing, registration, and an “assault weapon” ban, but has yet to issue a recent call for a complete ban on firearms or even handguns. (RELATED: Cory Booker Wants Every Gun Owner To Interview With The Federal Government)

The Daily Caller has reached out to Booker’s campaign for comment.

Follow Scott on Twitter