Biden Calls for Stricter Gun Laws, Return of Federal 'Assault Weapons Ban'

In an address from the White House Thursday night, President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass stricter gun laws.

"How much more carnage are we willing to accept," asked Biden, referring to recent mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas, Buffalo, N.Y. and Tulsa, Oklahoma. "I support the bipartisan efforts that include a small group of Democrats and Republican senators trying to find a way," he continued. "But my God — the fact that the majority of the Senate Republicans don’t want any of these proposals even to be debated or come up for a vote, I find it unconscionable."

Biden said lawmakers should reinstate the federal ban on "assault weapons," which would include AR-15s, and asked "Why in God’s name should an ordinary citizen be able to purchase an assault weapon that holds 30-round magazines, that lets mass shooters fire hundreds of bullets in a matter of minutes?" The president also called on Congress to pass red flag laws and laws strengthening background checks, and to removing gun manufacturers' immunity from liability. He also urged action on mental health, such as providing more school counseling and mental health services.

News sources across the political spectrum covered the speech prominently and provided full quotes from the president. Some coverage from the right highlighted Biden's call for gun manufacturers to be held accountable for mass shootings that involve weapons they produce. Some reports from the left highlighted Biden's criticism of Republicans who oppose his vision for stricter gun laws.