President Joe Biden has called on Republicans to take action in response to the recent horrific shooting at a Texas mall, emphasizing their responsibility to propose solutions such as ending immunity for gun manufacturers and implementing universal background checks. The president also urged Congress to send him legislation that bans assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, as well as passing a bill that would end immunity for manufacturers.
"Once again, our nation is mourning the loss of innocent lives due to senseless gun violence," said President Biden. "It's time for those who have opposed common-sense gun safety measures in the past to step up and join us in finding real solutions."
The tragic incident took place at Allen Premium Outlets shopping mall, resulting in nine deaths and leaving several others injured. In response, President Biden ordered flags flown at half-staff on Sunday, honoring the victims while condemning Republican leaders for neglecting what he referred to as an epidemic of gun violence.
In June last year, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law. This legislation provided $13 billion toward school and community mental health services while expanding background checks for potential gun purchasers under 21 by granting access to juvenile records.
However, GOP-led legislators have consistently dismissed calls for stricter gun control measures; instead focusing primarily on mental health resources, making schools more secure against shootings (school hardening), and reinforcing student discipline policies.
Despite this resistance from Republicans lawmakers regarding firearm regulations reformations , First Lady Jill Biden echoed her husband's sentiments when expressing gratitude towards first responders:
"We are grateful for the brave first responders who acted quickly and courageously during this tragedy – they saved countless lives," she said.
Public opinion polls suggest most Americans support enhanced background check procedures; however, with both chambers of Congress being so narrowly divided along party lines it remains unlikely that any significant changes will be enacted soon enough.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged the devastating nature of the shooting during a Sunday morning interview on Fox News, but maintained that effectively addressing gun violence relies more so on tackling mental health issues.
In conclusion, President Biden stressed the progress made since signing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law and reiterated his call for Congress to take further action by sending him legislation banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Additionally, he urged lawmakers to enact universal background checks, implement safe storage requirements for firearms owners , and end immunity protections for gun manufacturers.
"Our nation cannot continue experiencing these heartbreaking tragedies," said Biden. "Now is not a time for inaction – it's time to come together as Americans and make our communities safer."