Biden Urges Assault Weapons Ban After Georgia School Shooting

US President Joe Biden has reiterated his call for an assault weapons ban following a tragic school shooting in Georgia. He emphasized the need for stronger gun control measures, including comprehensive background checks and accountability for gun manufacturers and parents. Biden's plea comes as mass shootings continue to plague America.

US President Joe Biden has renewed his call for an assault weapons ban following a deadly school shooting in Georgia that left four people dead, CNN reported. Speaking at a solar energy manufacturer in Westby, Wisconsin, Biden urged Congress to adopt stronger gun control measures. He addressed the recent tragedy, saying, "I'd like to say a few words about the school shooting yesterday."

Biden criticized Republican leaders in Congress, urging them to finally say "enough is enough." Despite his long-standing plea for an assault weapons ban, Biden has faced resistance. He stressed, "As a nation, we cannot continue to accept the carnage of gun violence. I'm a gun owner. I believe strongly in the amendment. We need more than thoughts and prayers," CNN reported. He added, "We have to do something together." Biden reiterated, "Let's ban assault weapons."

The President also called for strict background checks, an end to immunity for gun manufacturers, and holding parents accountable if their children access guns. "I realize I'm in a rural area, like the rural parts of my state, where guns are common and not popular to discuss, but we must differentiate between rational and irrational," Biden said.

Biden acknowledged that while stricter laws wouldn't bring back the victims, they could save lives in the future. "We can do if we do it together, and I really think we can," Biden said. At least four people, including two students, were killed, and nine others were injured when a 14-year-old student, identified as Colt Cray, opened fire at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Law enforcement is investigating the motive behind the shooting.

The Georgia school shooting is the latest in a series of such incidents across the US, including those in Connecticut, Parkland, Newtown, and Uvalde. According to the Gun Violence Archive, the US has witnessed at least 385 mass shootings in 2024, averaging more than 1.5 incidents daily.

(With inputs from agencies.)