In Uvalde, Buffalo, and so many other communities across America, too many schools and everyday places have become battlefields.
I've spent hours with families who've lost a child, a parent, or a sibling to gun violence who were broken. They will never be the same. And they have one message for all of us: Do something.
This isn't about taking away anyone's rights. It's about protecting children. It's about protecting families. It's about protecting our freedom to go to school, to a grocery store, to a place of worship without being shot and killed.
Guns are the number one killer of children in the United States of America -- more than car accidents or cancer. Over the last two decades, more school-age children have died from guns than on-duty police officers and active-duty military combined.
Think about that.
How much more carnage are we willing to accept? How many more innocent American lives must be taken before we say enough?
I believe this time a majority of the American people won't give up either. I believe the majority of you will act to turn your outrage into making this issue central to your vote. If you're ready to commit to that, add your name today.
I know that we can't prevent every tragedy, but here's what I believe we have to do: Ban assault weapons, or at least raise the age to purchase them from 18 to 21. Ban high-capacity magazines. Strengthen background checks. Enact safe storage laws and red flag laws. Repeal the immunity that protects gun manufacturers from liability. Address the mental health crisis deepening the trauma of gun violence and as a consequence of that violence.
These are rational common-sense measures.
Enough. It's time for each of us to do our part. It's time to act. Add your name to urge Congress to take action to end gun violence.
For the children we've lost, for the children we can save, for the nation we love, let's hear the call and the cry. Let's meet the moment. Let us finally do something.
From the bottom of my heart,
Joe
Joseph R. Biden Jr.
President of the United States
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