Businessman Elon Musk entered the political debate surrounding gun control Thursday days after an armed assailant killed 19 children and two teachers in southern Texas; saying firearms are necessary to fight “tyranny.”

“Regarding recent events, the shooters are obviously doing this to generate the most amount of attention possible. Why is the media doing exactly what the mass murderers want?” Musk asked in an email to financial news outlet CNBC.

“I strongly believe that the right to bear arms is an important safeguard against potential tyranny of government. Historically, maintaining their power over the people is why those in power did not allow public ownership of guns,” he added.

The billionaire then said “tight” restrictions like universal background checks could help reduce violence in America.

Many of Musk’s companies have deep roots in Texas. Tesla Motors moved their headquarters from California to Austin because of high taxes.

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