President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris appeared together at the White House on Thursday to address the pressing issue of gun violence. They used the occasion to highlight the administration’s achievements and criticise the opposing GOP ticket.
During the event, Biden signed a new executive action aimed at overhauling active shooter drills in schools and addressing emerging gun technologies among other measures. Harris emphasised the civil right to safety and the necessity for comprehensive gun control policies.
Biden’s Remarks on Gun Violence
President Biden was unequivocal in his stance, stating, “Together, we’re making clear, if you want to talk about reducing crime and violence in America, you need to talk about guns in America.” His decisive comments were made just before he signed an executive action addressing various measures against gun violence.
Alluding to past remarks from officials downplaying school shootings, Biden mentioned, “Last year, after another school shooting, my predecessor said like so many members of Congress say, ‘Just get over it.’” He strongly opposed such sentiments, questioning the moral stance of those who accept school shootings as a fact of life.
Harris on Civil Rights and Gun Safety
Vice President Harris adopted a rights-based approach, stating, “I believe the right to be safe is a civil right.” She expressed that Americans have the right to live, work, worship, and learn without the fear of violence, including gun violence. Her comments were a pivotal part of her campaign rhetoric.
Harris criticised the “false choice” between preventing further carnage and respecting the Second Amendment. She acknowledged her own status as a gun owner and advocated for measures such as reinstating the assault weapons ban, universal background checks, safe storage laws, and red flag laws.
Achievements of the Administration
Biden highlighted several accomplishments of the administration, including the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and $15 billion in funding from the American Rescue Plan aimed at bolstering law enforcement.
He praised Harris’s efforts, stating that many of these achievements were due to her extensive experience as a prosecutor. “She got a lot of heat from the other guy talking about we’re not helping – we’re the ones funding cops!” This was a clear rebuttal to critics who argued the administration was not doing enough to support law enforcement.
Besides overhauling active shooter drills in schools, the executive order addressed threats from emerging gun technologies, including 3D-printed and ghost guns. It also established a task force to assess risks posed by machine-gun conversion devices and un-serialized printed firearms.
Community Impact and Advocacy
The event also featured other key figures in the fight against gun violence, such as Randall Woodfin, the Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. His city recently experienced a mass shooting involving guns with conversion switches, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Georgia Representative Lucy McBath, whose son was killed in a 2012 shooting, and former Arizona Representative Gabby Giffords, wounded in a 2011 shooting, were also present. Their presence underscored the personal and widespread impact of gun violence.
Republican Opposition and Future Threats
President Biden warned that any progress made could be easily reversed if Republicans gain control of the White House or Congress. He emphasised the importance of maintaining and expanding current gun control measures to safeguard communities.
Vice President Harris reiterated the need for courageous leadership from lawmakers, calling on them to stand up to the gun lobby. “We need more leaders like the leaders in this room in Congress, who have the courage to take action, to stand up to the gun lobby and to put the lives of our children first.”
Biden’s Executive Order Details
The executive order signed by President Biden aims to overhaul active-shooter drills in schools, making them more extensive and effective. It also addresses the rising threat from emerging gun technologies, such as 3D-printed guns and ghost guns.
A task force will be established to examine the risks posed by machine-gun conversion devices and un-serialized firearms. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the dangers presented by these advanced technologies.
Public and Legislative Support
The bipartisan support for the administration’s gun control measures was evident, with several lawmakers voicing their approval. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and additional funding for law enforcement communities were significant milestones in this ongoing effort.
In summary, the administration’s concerted efforts to curb gun violence were emphatically highlighted by both Biden and Harris. Their speeches underscored the critical need for continued legislative action and community support.
As the United States continues to grapple with the epidemic of gun violence, the leadership remains adamant about prioritising public safety and challenging any opposition that threatens to undo their progress.
