NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) - Democratic presidential candidate and former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke is planning to meet with gun control advocates in Newtown, Connecticut.

O'Rourke is participating in a "conversation on gun violence prevention" on Wednesday with advocates and residents in an event closed to the public.

During a September debate, O'Rourke called for taking people's AR-15 and AK-47 rifles . His comments came in the wake of several high-profile shootings, including two in his home state. Besides a national buyback program for banned guns, he supports universal background checks and other measures.

Former Democratic presidential candidate and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper made a similar visit in May. He has since left the race.