Currents News Staff
At least 13 mass shootings were reported in the U.S. this weekend, resulting in 17 deaths. On Sunday in Tennessee, gunfire erupted in the Chattanooga area for the second time within a week.
“I was like wow,” said Tennessee resident Jake Cobb. “It was just crazy how I was just right down the road when it happened.”
The non-profit, Gun Violence Archive, says at least 246 mass shootings took place around the country through June 5 this year. It also says that the U.S. is on pace to have more mass shootings in 2022 than in any other year.
“There’s more to do,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Thoughts and prayers won’t fix this. But taking strong action will.”
White House officials say President Joe Biden is encouraged with the Senate negotiations on gun control measures, but would like action taken sooner rather than later.
“While there have been measured victories on gun violence prevention in recent years,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, “there hasn’t been a wide ranging bill passed since 1994. That’s almost three decades ago. So the president has made it clear that it’s time for Congress to act.”
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia is among the lawmakers who support raising the minimum age to buy a semi-automatic weapon to 21 – but many Republicans resist the idea.
“If we’re going to stop sending 18-year-olds to fight our wars for us,” said North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer, “then I suppose at that point I’d consider it. The age isn’t the issue. Nor is the gun.”