WASHINGTON — Two weeks after Congress passed landmark legislation to reduce gun violence, Democratic legislators reacted with horror and anger when a gunman opened fire on a Fourth of July parade, in Chicago suburbs. Six people were killed and dozens more were injured.
While many Democrats called for more gun control measures in Congress, they did not call for any specific policy changes. A few expressed their desire to see semi-automatic weapons banned or the purchase age increased.
It’s not likely that Republicans will be willing to negotiate so soon after passing meaningful gun reforms for the first time in 30 years, especially since the GOP is dependent on its conservative base to vote at the polls.
“Mass shootings will not stop until more members of Congress extend their definition of liberty to include freedom from massacre using semi-automatic weapons,” Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) told NBC News Tuesday.
Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) agreed that Congress must take additional action to stop mass shootings.
“As families gather to celebrate America, they are beaten down by the gun violence that plagues it. In a tweet, Markey stated that this was a tragedy. “While the Bipartisan Gun Law was a good first step, Congress must take further action to end this epidemic and save lives.”
“Schools. Malls. Offices. Churches. Mosques. Synagogues. Nightclubs. Concerts. Grocery shops. Movie theatres. Fourth of July parades,” tweeted Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va). “The gun lobby has robbed Americans from their sense of safety in almost every place imaginable,”
Illinois legislators have tried to end the decades-old problem of gun violence in Chicago. They were stunned by the nature of the mass shooting. Authorities believe that the suspect gunman was on top of a building when he opened fire at paradegoers and other participants who had gathered to celebrate Highland Park’s Fourth of July celebrations.
According to police, Robert E. Crimo III (22 years old) was taken into custody in Lake Forest, Illinois. It is believed that the weapon used in this shooting was a legally purchased “high-powered rifle”.
Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), who represents Highland Park said that he was getting ready to march in a parade when the shooting started. He claimed that no one was hurt.
“My condolences to all the families and friends; my prayers for the victims and my community; and my promise to do my best to make our country, our communities, and our children safer. It’s enough!
Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the Senate Majority Whip, called it “horrific” while Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) described it as “absolutely frightening” for those who were there.
“Last month, Congress demonstrated that bipartisan compromises are possible on gun safety. Duckworth stated Monday that “Today proved that we cannot stop there.” We must do more to ensure the safety of our communities. We must pass commonsense reforms that large majorities of Americans want — that 6 Illinoisans cannot no longer cry for. “I won’t forget their memories.”
In response to the mass shootings at two Texas elementary schools and a Buffalo grocery store, New York’s grocery store, Democrats and Republicans teamed up to pass comprehensive gun legislation.
President Joe Biden signed the bill into law. It provides federal grants to encourage states to adopt “red flag” laws. Background checks are enhanced to include juvenile records for gun purchasers under 21 years old. More funding is available for mental health programs. The bill also closes the “boyfriend loophole”, which prevents guns from being in the hands of unmarried partners who have been convicted of abuse.
It’s too early to know if certain provisions of the Bipartisan Gun Law could have prevented the Highland Park shooting. Sens. The four lawmakers who negotiated the deal — Sens.
Murphy described his bill as the first step towards broader gun reforms, but did not provide details in a Twitter video on Monday.
“I am confident that the bill passed a week ago will save lives. It will make a significant difference. Murphy stated that it is only the beginning.
“We have now broken down the back of gun lobby. “… Today is a reminder of the long road ahead.
Some Democratic candidates urged congressional representatives to do more to prevent mass shootings. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania senator hopeful, stated that Washington must “take on NRA” by prosecuting and closing down gun dealers whose guns routinely end up at crime scenes.
He demanded that Senate Democrats end the filibuster, and pass universal background checks on all gun sales.
