President Joe Biden said Sunday that Republicans’ “thoughts and prayers” are not enough to curb the rising number of mass shootings across the US and insisted tighter gun control was needed to curb the incessant violence.
“Too many families have empty chairs at their dining tables. Republican congressmen cannot continue to shrug off this epidemic. Tweeted thoughts and prayers are not enough,” he said said in a statement.
The President has routinely urged Congress to pass legislation banning semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines, requiring general background checks and secure gun storage, among other requirements. Republicans control the House of Representatives and have been unwilling to support gun restrictions, which they say violate the Second Amendment.
“I’ll sign it immediately,” Biden said of such a bill. “We need nothing less to keep our roads safe.”
On Saturday, a gunman fatally shot eight people and injured seven others — three seriously — with an AR-15 gun at an outlet mall outside of Dallas, Texas.
Last month, Biden denounced Republicans Politicians for their inaction after separate shootings at a birthday party in Alabama and a Kentucky Park And Bank 10 people died.
“This is outrageous and unacceptable. Americans agree and want lawmakers to respond to sound gun safety reforms,” he said. “Instead, for the past week, Americans have seen elected national Republican leaders stand alongside the NRA in a race to the bottom against dangerous legislation that further undermines gun safety. Our communities need and deserve better.”
According to a, the nation commits about one mass murder per week on average Database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. The database tracks shootings, but also other types of mass killings.
The database says there have been 551 mass killings since 2006, claiming the lives of 2,870 people. Mass shootings have been more frequent in the US this year than in previous years, according to records.
That’s what Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said on Saturday his heart is with the victims his state’s recent tragedy.
