Biden Demands Stronger Gun Control... "Shocked by Texas Incident"

by Lee Jieun

Published 08 May.2023 13:44(KST)

In the midst of a mass shooting incident in Texas, USA, President Joe Biden has repeatedly urged Congress to strengthen gun control measures, including banning the sale of assault rifles.

On the 6th (local time), a shooting incident occurred at a shopping mall in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, USA, resulting in a total of 9 deaths. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

In a statement on the 7th (local time), President Biden said, "Yesterday, an attacker armed with an AR-15 style assault weapon and tactical gear opened fire on innocent people at a shopping mall, and this is not the first time," adding, "These attacks are so shocking that we can never get used to them."

He continued, "American society has experienced about 200 mass shooting incidents this year," pointing out, "More than 14,000 citizens have lost their lives, and gun violence is the leading cause of death among American children."

He said, "I am once again asking Congress to send me legislation that bans assault rifles and high-capacity magazines, requires universal background checks, mandates safe storage, and ends immunity for gun manufacturers," emphasizing, "If the bill passes, I will sign it immediately, and keeping our streets safe is of utmost importance."

President Biden also ordered federal agencies to fly flags at half-staff to mourn the victims of the Texas mass shooting incident.

Earlier, on the 6th, a mass shooting occurred at a shopping mall in Allen, a small town on the outskirts of Dallas, Texas, resulting in 8 deaths and 7 injuries. Police reported that 3 of the 7 injured are still in critical condition.

The New York Times (NYT) reported that federal authorities identified the shooter as 38-year-old Mauricio Garcia and currently believe he acted alone.