![Surgeon General Has No Regrets About Gun-Violence Statement](http://townsquare.media/site/176/files/2013/10/158759487-1-300x202.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Surgeon General Has No Regrets About Gun-Violence Statement
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The nation's chief doctor said he doesn't regret saying gun violence is a public health issue, calling his difficult confirmation process a consequence of speaking out.
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said Saturday that the backlash from his gun-control statement was disappointing but not a surprise.
He was confirmed in December in the face of opposition from the National Rifle Association, which was a rare defeat for the powerful gun lobby.
Murthy said the challenging process showed him the importance of community, including those from the medical, public health, tech and Asian-American communities who rallied in support of him. He also credited his fiancee Alice Chen for helping him cope.
The doctor said he still believes gun violence is a preventable health problem, comparing it to seatbelts and swimming pool safety.
He was speaking at the Asian American Journalists Association convention gala in San Francisco.
More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL
![Man Wanted After Nearly-Fatal Shooting in New Iberia, Louisiana Leaves Woman in Critical Condition](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2022/10/attachment-new-iberia-police-department-vehicles-katc-photo-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Iowa High School Student Charged with Making Threats](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2020/12/Iowa-High-School.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Coronavirus Has Now Killed More People in New Orleans Than Gun Violence in All of 2019](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2020/04/RS20063_GettyImages-1064205570.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Tense Situation At Louisiana Walmart Ends Peacefully](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2018/07/GettyImages-9039239421.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Lafayette PD Leaves No Homicides Unsolved In 2017](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2015/12/Lafayette-Police-Dept-sign-photo-by-Ken-Romero.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Romero On The Right-General Russel Honore’ [VIDEO][OPINION]](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2015/08/Ken-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Violence Erupts At Colorado ‘Pot Holiday’](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2013/04/98579213.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Donald Trump Has Made His Vice Presidential Pick](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-2159730000.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Man Wins $100,000 With Lottery Strategy From Watching ‘Lottery Changed My Life’](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2022/04/attachment-giorgio-trovato-BRl69uNXr7g-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)