Biden makes fervent plea for stricter gun laws: 'How much more carnage are we willing to accept?'

He issued a fervent appeal  tonight for stricter gun laws -- including a ban on assault weapons, tougher background check laws and a higher minimum age of purchase -- as a spate of gun massacres have left the nation shaken and prompted new discussions on Capitol Hill about how to prevent them.

Speaking from the White House Cross Hall, where somber lines of candles had been lit as a backdrop, Biden ratcheted up pressure on Congress to act after previous shootings failed to produce any meaningful new laws.

He demanded Republicans in particular end their blockade of gun control votes.It was the President's most forceful and specific call for gun control since recent mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York. In his speech,

Biden sought both to encourage action and threaten opponents of new gun laws with the wrath of voters, majorities of whom support some type of new action to prevent mass shootings.

In addition to reinstating a ban on assault weapons, Biden urged Congress to expand background check requirements for gun purchases, create new rules for safely storing weapons, enact new "red flag" laws that would prevent gun sales to those with criminal records, repeal liability shields for gun manufacturers and provide more mental health services for students.

"For the children we've lost, the children we can save, for the nation we love, let's hear the call and the cry. 

Let's meet the moment. Let us finally do something."

Last edited by Spunky (6/02/2022 7:45 pm)