"...AK-47s belong in the hands of soldiers, not in the hands of criminals...".

A classical slip. Nothing belongs in the hand of criminals, since criminals do not belong to exist, so to speak. I guess he actually wanted to say something like "...AK-47s belong in the hands of soldiers, not in the hands of civilians who rightfully want to defend themselves; if such weapons were banned, it would be more difficult for criminals to get them ..."

But he did not dare.