Biden: Gun violence in the United States is an epidemic

WORLD, Feb. 18 (YPA) – US President Joe Biden has said that the gun violence in his country is an epidemic, calling on Congress to take steps to confront it “now”.

“Enough. We are 48 days into the year and our nation has already suffered at least 73 mass shootings. Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough. Gun violence is an epidemic and Congress must act now,” the US president said, according to a White House press release issued on Friday.

Biden noted that after Friday’s shooting in Mississippi, federal security agencies remain in close contact with state authorities.

He stated that he had ordered that the local administration be given the full support of the federal authorities.

The US president said that the country needs gun law reforms. “That includes requiring background checks on all gun sales, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, fully closing the boyfriend loophole to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, requiring safe storage of guns, and eliminating immunity for gun manufacturers who knowingly put weapons of war on our streets,” Biden said according to the White House press release.

A shooting incident in Tet County, Mississippi, on Friday killed at least six people. The attacker was found and arrested at the scene. His identity and motives have not yet determined.

E.M