WASHINGTON >> President Joe Biden vows to tackle gun violence in the U.S. with the introduction of a new federal office dedicated to finding solutions and supporting communities affected by shootings. Speaking from the Rose Garden, Biden emphasizes the urgent need for action, echoing the plea of the public after each mass shooting. He acknowledges his administration’s relentless efforts to address the issue.
Leading the office of gun violence prevention will be Vice President Kamala Harris, whose background as a former prosecutor makes her an ideal fit for the role, according to Biden. The office’s objectives include the nationwide implementation of a bipartisan gun safety law and the enforcement of Biden’s executive actions to combat gun violence. As legislative support for gun safety laws appears to be waning, the office will explore additional unilateral actions that can be taken by the White House. It will also focus on establishing better support systems in states and cities, as well as coordinating assistance for families affected by mass shootings and violence.
Describing shootings as the ultimate superstorm, Biden acknowledges that there are limitations to what the office can achieve. Tightening restrictions or enacting a ban on “assault weapons,” as Biden has repeatedly called for, would require congressional legislation, which seems unlikely at this time. However, Biden and Democrats view gun safety as a key issue to mobilize younger voters in the 2024 elections. Rep. Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress, joins Biden at the event, citing his personal motivation to enter politics as a desire to prevent gun violence in schools.
In the U.S., firearms are the leading cause of death among children. The toll of gun-related deaths this year includes 220 children under the age of 11 and 1,054 between the ages of 12 and 17. Biden emphasizes the importance of providing a safe learning environment, free from the fear of gun violence.
A majority of Americans express a desire for stricter gun laws, regardless of their state’s current regulations. This preference may stem from the perception that fewer guns could result in fewer mass shootings. According to a database maintained by The Associated Press, USA Today, and Northeastern University, there have been at least 35 mass killings in the U.S. so far in 2023, resulting in at least 171 deaths (excluding shooters).
Harris highlights that while gun violence affects all communities, its impact is particularly pronounced in communities of color.
As she reflects on the devastating effects of bullets on the human body, Harris asserts that none of this violence should be normalized.
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