President Biden expressed his frustration with the surging number of mass shootings and casualties and has asked Congress to take action and prevent further tragedies.
On Saturday, May 6, a gunman entered a mall in Allen, Texas, and opened fire, killing eight people and injuring seven others. Following the tragic incident, President Biden criticized lawmakers for offering “tweeted thoughts and prayers” instead of taking action to address the issue of gun violence.
He urged Congress to pass a bill to ban high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. He demanded universal background checks, safe gun storage, and ending immunity for gun manufacturers. Biden emphasized that his administration has made some progress in this area, but it is insufficient.
First responders declared six victims dead at the scene, while two others died of their injuries at a hospital. Seven people remain injured from the attack, and three are still in critical condition. A police officer engaged the shooter at the mall and subsequently killed him.
Biden praised the first responders for their bravery and quick action and offered condolences to the families of those affected.
Authorities said the suspect, who is in his 30s, was in the US Army and was discharged due to mental health concerns. Investigators also found social media accounts tied to the suspect with violent, racially extremist, and white supremacist posts.
On Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris also issued a statement on the shooting in Allen and called on Congress to take action. She expressed her condolences for the loss of life and gratitude for the first responders who acted heroically.
Harris emphasized that all Americans have the right to be safe from gun violence and urged Congress to send a bill to President Biden that would ban the use of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and introduce universal background checks. She added that Americans are not divided on the issue of gun reforms, and most gun owners support sensible reforms.
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