On the third anniversary of the Shooting at Parkland School, President Joe Biden asked Congress to do so pass stricter gun laws, including the ban on assault weapons. In a White House statement, Biden on Sunday called on Congress to pass laws requiring background checks on all arms sales, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and eliminating immunity. for weapon manufacturers.
“Today, as we mourn with the Parkland community, we mourn all those who have lost their loved ones to armed violence,” Biden said.
The White House did not provide further details on Mr. Biden’s plan.
On February 14, 2018, a gunman opened fire on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17. Since then, many students and community members have become passionate crossroads. by stricter gun laws. The gunman is still on trial.
His organization, March for Our Lives, has been pushing Mr. Biden to appoint an armed tsar to serve in a position adjacent to the cabinet. According to a statement sent to CNN in December, the group called for a national director of gun violence prevention to “reflect the understanding that gun violence is a public health crisis and disproportionately affects our most vulnerable populations.” “.
Mr. Biden promised on the campaign trail to take action against firearms during his first 100 days in office. Last week, Everytown gun control groups for gun safety, mothers calling for action and students calling for action said they met with members of the Biden administration. Both Everytown and Moms Demand said they have published roadmaps on how the Biden administration can act against gun violence.
Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime died in the Parkland shooting, tweeted on Feb. 12 that he met with Biden’s domestic policy adviser, Susan Rice.
“Thanks @ AmbRice46 for your time yesterday. President @JoeBiden he personally told me of his commitment to lead the issue of arms security and that commitment was reinforced in our conversation yesterday. I look forward to working with you @Casa Blanca in this, ” Guttenberg wrote.
Tim Perry contributed to this report.