Statement from President Joe Biden on the Shooting in Allen, Texas
In a devastating act of gun violence, eight individuals, including children, lost their lives yesterday, leaving our nation in mourning. President Biden, alongside First Lady Jill Biden, expressed their heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the critically injured. The President also expressed gratitude for the swift and courageous actions of the first responders who worked tirelessly to save lives.
Eight Americans, including children, were killed in Allen, Texas yesterday – the latest act of gun violence to devastate our nation.
Jill and I are praying for their families and those critically injured. We’re grateful to the first responders who acted quickly and courageously.
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 7, 2023
Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have joined forces to investigate this horrific attack. President Biden has issued a directive to federal agencies, urging them to provide full support in the ongoing investigation.
The assailant, equipped in tactical gear and armed with an AR-15 style assault weapon, callously opened fire on innocent individuals in a shopping mall. This tragic incident is a painful reminder that such attacks have become far too familiar. Shockingly, American communities have already experienced approximately 200 mass shootings this year, according to reliable sources. Estimates indicate that over 14,000 lives have been lost due to gun violence, making it the leading cause of death among American children.
President Biden acknowledged the progress made since the enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the implementation of two dozen executive actions aimed at curbing gun violence. However, he emphasized that the current measures in place, such as state-level bans on assault weapons and the expansion of red flag laws, are insufficient. Urgency is paramount in saving lives, and further action is necessary.
With numerous families left with empty chairs at their dinner tables, President Biden called upon Republican Members of Congress to address this epidemic with more than just thoughts and prayers. He stressed the need for Congress to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, enacting universal background checks, mandating safe storage practices, and ending immunity for gun manufacturers. The President pledged to sign such a bill immediately, emphasizing that nothing less than comprehensive measures would ensure the safety of our streets.
As the nation grapples with this heartbreaking incident, the urgent plea for stricter gun control measures resonates deeply. The call for action against the pervasive issue of gun violence grows stronger, echoing the collective desire to protect lives and prevent further tragedies from occurring.