ATLANTA (AP) — Groups advocating for stricter gun laws have gained political strength over multiple elections, especially in the wake of mass shootings at schools and other public places, as well as the ongoing issue of nationwide gun violence.
These groups, along with many Democrats, see new opportunities arising from the hardline stances of the gun lobby and their main supporter, former President Donald Trump. They also point to the controversies surrounding the National Rifle Association, which has faced leadership changes and declining membership following revelations of executive misconduct.
“It is a false narrative to suggest that supporting the Second Amendment means you want to confiscate everyone’s guns,” Vice President Kamala Harris stated during a recent event focused on addressing gun violence. President Joe Biden is also set to speak at a conference organized by Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund.
The Biden campaign believes that gun control could be a motivating factor for suburban, college-educated women, who could play a crucial role in key battleground states this fall. They have highlighted instances of Trump downplaying gun violence and his lack of action on gun regulations during his time in office.
As of now, there have been 15 mass shootings in 2024, according to data collected by The Associated Press. A mass shooting is defined as an incident where four or more individuals, excluding the perpetrator, are killed within a 24-hour period.
Regarding comments from the Trump campaign, they referred to the former president’s previous statements promising to avoid implementing new gun regulations if he were to be re-elected.
Trump has spoken at NRA events this year and received the group’s endorsement in May. He has accused Biden of attempting to take guns away from law-abiding citizens, leading to the creation of a new coalition called “Gun Owners for Trump.”
A poll conducted by AP-NORC in August 2023 shows that a majority of independent voters and Democrats support stricter gun laws, while Republicans are more divided on the issue.
Biden White House’s Approach to Gun Control
Biden and Harris have emphasized their actions on gun policy, particularly the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, which was enacted following a mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. This law expanded background checks for young gun buyers, aimed to prevent domestic abusers from obtaining weapons, and allocated funds to combat gun violence.
Biden has also revitalized the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and established a White House office dedicated to preventing gun violence.
Gun-control advocates praise the Biden administration for its efforts in enforcing background checks for all potential gun buyers, which has garnered bipartisan support. There is a growing call for a national ban on the sale of AR-15-style rifles, commonly used in mass shootings.
Harris recently led discussions on gun violence with health care leaders and student groups, highlighting the administration’s commitment to addressing gun violence as a public health crisis.
The Influence of the NRA
The NRA, despite facing challenges, remains a significant force in Republican politics. Wayne LaPierre, a prominent figure in the organization, was found liable for misusing NRA funds and eventually resigned. NRA membership and revenue have declined in recent years.
Gun-control advocates view the NRA as weakened, leading some conservative activists to align with groups like Gun Owners of America, known for its uncompromising stance on gun rights.
While the NRA still holds influence, experts believe that the cultural and political landscape regarding gun control has shifted, with more Americans supporting stricter gun laws.
“There was a time when the NRA portrayed gun-control advocates as extremists in the debate,” said one expert. “Now, the perception has changed, and the majority of Americans do not view gun control as an extreme position.”
Associated Press writers Amelia Thomson DeVeaux in Washington and Will Weissert in Landover, Maryland, contributed to this report.
