WASHINGTON (AP) — Over 500 individuals, some with ties to transnational cartels and organized crime rings, have been arrested for gun trafficking and other offenses following the enactment of President Joe Biden’s landmark gun safety legislation two years ago on Tuesday.
A report from the White House, obtained by The Associated Press, details the progress made in implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Enhanced background checks established by the legislation have prevented approximately 800 firearm sales to individuals under 21 who are prohibited from purchasing them.
The report also mentions that 14 states are utilizing or planning to utilize funding provided by the law to improve the implementation of red flag laws, which empower law enforcement to seize weapons from individuals in crisis. Additionally, $85 million in funding has been distributed to 125 school districts in 18 states to help identify students in need of mental health support.
“This legislation was crafted to reduce gun violence and save lives,” stated President Biden. “I am proud of the significant progress we have made since its enactment.”
The legislation, a significant achievement for the Democratic president, comes as he campaigns for reelection in November. However, Biden has acknowledged that the law falls short, as he continues to advocate for stricter background checks and a ban on assault weapons.
Alternatively, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has promised to avoid implementing new gun regulations if reelected.
Trump, who has spoken at National Rifle Association events and received the group’s endorsement in May, has criticized Biden’s stance on gun control. His campaign, in collaboration with the Republican National Committee, established the Gun Owners for Trump coalition, consisting of gun rights activists and individuals from the firearms industry.
President Biden established the inaugural White House office of gun violence prevention and implemented new regulations requiring additional firearms dealers to conduct background checks on buyers at gun shows and other non-traditional outlets. He has also emphasized the importance of safe firearms storage.
The Biden campaign views gun control as a crucial issue for voters, especially suburban college-educated women who may play a decisive role in several key battleground states. Statistics show that a majority of suburban college-educated women who voted in the 2022 midterm elections support stricter gun control laws.
Violent crime rates decreased in 2023, following a spike during the pandemic, but firearms remain the leading cause of death among children in the U.S. Efforts to combat gun violence face legal challenges, with recent Supreme Court rulings impacting gun laws across the nation.
In conclusion, President Biden’s gun safety legislation, enacted on June 25, 2022, has led to numerous arrests and prosecutions of individuals involved in illegal gun trafficking. The implementation report highlights the strides made in enhancing background checks and addressing mental health needs among students in schools across the country.
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