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Jimmy Williams
President Joe Biden joined gun control activists on Tuesday to promote more initiatives to combat gun violence. Speaking at the Everytown Gun Safety University conference in Washington, D.C., Biden emphasized his administration’s commitment to stricter gun laws.
Biden’s remarks came just hours after his son, Hunter Biden, was convicted on three felony counts in a federal gun trial in Delaware. However, the president did not mention his son’s case during his speech.
“Look, folks, you’ve helped power a movement that is turning this cause into reality,” Biden said. “Especially young people who demanded our nation do better and protect us all, who protested, who organized, who voted, who ran for office and yes, who marched for their lives. From my perspective, today is about celebrating you.”
Biden highlighted new FBI data showing a decline in overall crime, including violent crime and murder, in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
“The year before I came to the presidency, the murder rate was the highest increase on record. Last year, we saw the largest decrease of murder in the history of it, and those rates are continuing to fall faster than ever,” he said.
The president shared his personal connection to the issue of gun violence, saying, “I give you my word. I know what that feels [like], that black hole when you receive that phone call. It seems like your black hole in your chest and you’re being sucked into it. Just showing up here and all the work you’ve done takes some courage because it reminds you of the moment you got that phone call.”
During his speech, Biden cited several of his administration’s gun control initiatives. These include changing federal law to make gun trafficking and straw purchases federal crimes and strengthening background checks for people under 21.
“Since the law was passed and implemented, the FBI stopped more than 700 sales of firearms for individuals under 21, and about 20,000 unlicensed firearms dealers are now required to become licensed to run background checks,” the president noted.
Biden acknowledged that much work remains, as thousands of innocent lives are lost to gun violence each year. He reiterated his call to ban assault weapons, a stance he has consistently supported, including during this year’s State of the Union address.
“Who in God’s name needs a magazine which can hold 200 shells? Nobody,” Biden said.
The president’s comments underscore his administration’s dedication to addressing gun violence, a pressing issue that continues to impact communities across the nation. As the fight against gun violence continues, Biden’s administration aims to implement further measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all Americans.
