The horrific mass shooting at a Texas elementary school on Tuesday that left 19 children and three adults dead, including the gunman, has sparked another round of calls for gun control in the United States.
The chances of meaningful legislation getting to U.S. President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature remain grim, however, as Republicans have blocked several previous attempts at reform and conservative-leaning states move to weaken existing gun laws. “When in God’s name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby?” Biden asked during a late-night address from the White House. “When in God’s name are we going to do what needs to be done? “I am sick and tired of it.
We have to act,” he added, though he did not detail any plans to push for legislation. He did, however, warn lawmakers who routinely block such efforts in Congress that “we will not forget.” Read more: At least 21 dead after shooting at Texas elementary school: officials As information about the shooting in Uvalde, Texas, was still being confirmed, Democratic Sen.
Chris Murphy of Connecticut, a longtime advocate for gun control, was already speaking on the Senate floor begging his colleagues to act. “Our kids are living in fear every single time they set foot in a classroom because they think they’re going to be next,” he said. “What are we doing?