In the aftermath of last weekend's massacre in Aurora, Colorado, Ice-T spoke with Channel 4 London to argue against gun control and defend the right to bear arms. "The right to bear arms is because that's the last form of defense against tyranny. Not to hunt. It's to protect yourself from the police," said the rap pioneer. "If somebody wants to kill people, they don't need a gun to do it."

When challenged by host Krishnan Guru-Murthy that guns may facilitate murderous acts, Ice-T denied the connection, replying, "Not really. You can strap explosives on your body. They do that all the time." The rapper was asked if the incident would lead to tighter gun laws, but he rejected the possibility, saying, "The United States is based on guns."

Last weekend, James Holmes killed at least 12 people and left dozens more injured after opening fire at a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado.