Velentina Boulter
The President has once again called for stricter gun control measures after several mass shootings over the July Fourth holiday weekend.
In a briefing to the press on Tuesday, Biden said he and his wife, Jill: “pray for the day when our communities will be free from gun violence.”
The briefing comes after a weekend of tragic mass shootings in Philadelphia, Fort Worth, Baltimore, Lansing, Wichita and Chicago.
On a weekend meant to be spent celebrating the independence of the nation, Biden noted that communities were instead forced to 'once again endured a wave of tragic and senseless shootings.'
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Biden also marked the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, where seven people were killed whilst watching an Independence Day parade.
“In mere moments, this day of patriotic pride became a scene of pain and tragedy,” said the President.
“In the year since, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, legislative leaders, and numerous advocates, and gun violence survivors have fought tirelessly to turn the pain of Highland Park and other acts of gun violence into meaningful action on behalf of all Illinoisans.”
A ban prohibiting the sale of assault weapons, like the ones used in the Highland Park attack, came into effect across Illinois in January this year.
Rifle magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds and handgun magazines that can hold more than 15 rounds have also been banned in Illinois.
Last year in June, Biden also signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which brought in background checks for guns purchased by under 21-year-olds and provided funding for state red flag laws.
“Much more must be done in Illinois and across America to address the epidemic of gun violence that is tearing our communities apart. It is within our power,” Biden said.
“To once again ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to require safe storage of guns, to end gun manufacturers’ immunity from liability, and to enact universal background checks.”
According to Gun Violence Archive, this year alone, there have been 348 mass shootings across the United States.
Biden ended his plea for gun control by calling upon Republican lawmakers to 'come to the table on meaningful, common-sense reforms that the American people support'.
While 91 per cent of Democrats are in favor of gun control reforms but for Republicans, only 24 per cent favor stricter gun laws.