July 5, 2023
Washington, D.C.–In a statement released on Independence Day, Joe Biden reflected on what he called “a wave of tragic and senseless shootings in communities across America”
“Today,” he said, “Jill and I grieve for those who have lost their lives and, as our nation celebrates Independence Day, we pray for the day when our communities will be free from gun violence.” He recalled the shooting that took place at last year’s Independence Day parade in Highland Park, IL, and praised Illinois Governor Pritzker and Highland Park Mayor Rotering for their success in banning “assault weapons” and high-capacity magazines throughout the state of Illinois. In closing, he called on the nation to do “much more” to “address the epidemic of gun violence that is tearing our communities apart.”
“It is within our power to once again ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to require safe storage of guns, to end gun manufacturers’ immunity from liability, and to enact universal background checks,” concluded Biden. “I urge other states to follow Illinois’ lead, and continue to call upon Republican lawmakers in Congress to come to the table on meaningful, commonsense reforms that the American people support.”
Biden’s full statement may be read here.
