An executive order to increase the use of background checks for firearm transactions has been signed by President Joe Biden as the country struggles with the recurrent and tragic mass shootings.
In a statement made on Tuesday before visiting the California town of Monterey Park, where a shooter attacked a dance hall and killed 11 people in January, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to further regulating guns.
Biden stated, “We remember and grieve today, but I’m here with you today to act. “As I continue to urge Congress to mandate background checks for all transactions of weapons, this executive order helps keep guns out of dangerous hands.”
The executive order attempts to extend background checks and boost public awareness of so-called “red flag laws”, which are supposed to keep weapons out of the hands of those demonstrating dangerous behaviour that is reported to law enforcement by family or friends.
Additionally, it demands that the Federal Trade Commission look into the strategies gun manufacturers employ, including the use of military imagery in their advertisements, to promote firearms to children and civilians.
The president signed previous legislation in June that included similar measures and a clause prohibiting those convicted of domestic violence from purchasing firearms if they are still involved with the victim. Biden’s order builds on that legislation.
The measure passed last year, in response to a shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, which claimed the lives of 19 students and two staff members, was described as “the most significant gun violence reduction legislation adopted in over 30 years” in the announcement made on Tuesday.
Some commentators have noted that the Act did little to significantly restrict access to firearms in the US.
However, it lacked limits on assault-style guns, which Biden has stated he wants to see banned and which have been used in past horrific shootings.
In his statement on Tuesday, Biden stated, “Let’s be clear: None of this absolves Congress from the burden of acting to pass universal background checks and removing gun manufacturers’ protection from liability. And I’m committed to outlaw assault rifles and large-capacity magazines once more.
84 percent of respondents to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted last year supported background checks on all transactions of firearms, while 70 percent favored red flag regulations.
Some gun rights activists oppose background checks, alleging they impinge on the constitutional right to carry arms while failing to stop criminals from gaining them. Additionally, they claim that many red flag regulations violate due process rights.
Republican lawmakers generally oppose efforts to pass stricter gun control regulations, and the conservative majority of the US Supreme Court has invalidated gun laws in Democratic-ruled states like New York.
Asserting that Biden’s executive action would bring the US “as near to universal background checks as possible without new legislation,” the White House appeared to concede these difficulties on Tuesday.
In his closing remarks, Biden addressed the residents of Monterey Park, saying he was aware that some of them had “broken hearts”.
Biden stated, “I assure you that day will come when remembering your loved one will bring a smile to your lips before it will bring a tear to your eye. “I assure you, it will happen.”
