Washington: On Wednesday, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris called for an end to the “epidemic of gun violence” in the United States following a tragic mass shooting at a high school in Winder, Georgia, that left four people dead. Harris, speaking at a rally in New Hampshire, emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive gun safety measures.
“This is just a senseless tragedy, on top of so many senseless tragedies,” Harris said about the shooting at Apalachee High School. She expressed outrage over the frequent occurrences of gun violence in the country, highlighting the fear that parents face every day as they send their children to school.
Harris reiterated her push for an assault weapons ban, a position that faces strong opposition from Republicans. She also advocated for stricter gun safety laws, including universal background checks and red flag laws designed to prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms.
“We have to end this epidemic of gun violence in our country once and for all,” Harris declared. “It doesn’t have to be this way,” she added, stressing the need for action to address the ongoing crisis of gun violence.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump, a strong advocate for gun rights, expressed his condolences on social media, calling the shooter a “sick and deranged monster” and extending his sympathies to the victims’ families.
Harris, with her background as a prosecutor and former US senator, urged Congress to revive the assault weapons ban that was initially enacted in 1994 under President Joe Biden’s sponsorship and expired in 2004. She highlighted the need for Congress to act on this issue and not let it lapse again.
In addition to her call for an assault weapons ban, Harris supported implementing universal background checks and red flag laws to enhance gun safety. She criticized the notion that supporting the Second Amendment means opposing all gun control measures.
“It is a false choice to say you’re either in favor of the Second Amendment or you want to take everyone’s guns away,” Harris argued. “I’m in favor of the Second Amendment, and I know we need reasonable gun safety laws in our country.”
Harris’s remarks come amid heightened discussions about gun violence following numerous mass shootings this year. Her call for action reflects ongoing debates about how best to address the issue while balancing constitutional rights with public safety concerns.