Biden's Speech Celebrating Gun Law Passage... Victims' Families Say "Not Enough"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Seulgina Jo] U.S. President Joe Biden was criticized as "not enough" by the families of victims of gun violence during an event emphasizing the significance of the passage of gun-related legislation for the first time in 29 years.

According to local media such as AP News and NBC, President Biden said at a ceremony held at the White House to commemorate the passage of the gun safety law by the U.S. Congress, "This is an important start," and added, "Despite opposition from (gun control law) opponents, we have made meaningful progress in addressing gun violence."

He stated, "It will not save every life from the spread of gun violence," but also mentioned, "If this law had been enacted years ago, or even earlier this year, many lives could have been saved."

It is the first time in 29 years that a gun-related bill has passed in the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan legislation, passed following recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, strengthens background checks for those seeking to purchase firearms and encourages the implementation of so-called 'red flag' laws in each state to prevent dangerous individuals from possessing guns.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

However, during Biden's speech, Manuel Oliver, who lost his son in the 2018 Parkland shooting, shouted that the bill was "not enough." Oliver raised his voice, saying, "We need to do more." The bill does not include provisions that President Biden and the Democratic Party have long advocated for, such as banning the sale of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines.

According to a new Pew Research Center poll, 64% of Americans support the new gun law, with 32% expressing strong support. Opposition stood at 21% (including 11% strong opposition). However, 78% of respondents believed the bill would not have a significant impact on solving gun violence in the U.S.

President Biden also acknowledged during his speech that the bill is insufficient. He emphasized the need for additional regulations, saying, "We live in a country flooded with war weapons." He pointed out, "From 1994 to 2004, the sale of AR-15s and similar assault rifles was banned, and mass shootings decreased. However, after this law expired and sales resumed, mass shootings tripled."

He added, "We also need gun safety storage laws that hold owners accountable if firearms are not stored safely," and said, "If you have a gun, you have a duty to lock it up safely with a key."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.