Biden Calls for Stronger Gun Control After Pardoning Son’s Gun Offense

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Responding to a deadly school shooting in Madison, President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass universal background checks, a national red flag law and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Three people are dead, including a suspected juvenile shooter, and six others were injured in the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.

“We need Congress to act. Now. From Newtown to Uvalde, Parkland to Madison, to so many other shootings that don’t receive attention — it is unacceptable that we are unable to protect our children from this scourge of gun violence. We cannot continue to accept it as normal,” Biden said in a statement.

“Every child deserves to feel safe in their classroom. Students across our country should be learning how to read and write – not having to learn how to duck and cover.”

In his statement, Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden are praying for all of the shooting victims. He also expressed gratitude to the first responders who arrived quickly on the scene. The FBI is supporting local law enforcement efforts, he said, adding that, at his direction, his team also has reached out to local officials to offer further support as needed.

Biden noted steps his administration has taken to combat gun violence, including the passage of the most significant gun-safety legislation in nearly 30 years. “But more is needed,” he said.

He called on Congress to pass “commonsense” gun safety laws, such as universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and a national “red flag” law that would allow police or family members to get a court order to temporarily confiscate firearms from a person who may present a danger to others or themselves.

“We can never accept senseless violence that traumatizes children, their families, and tears entire communities apart,” Biden said.

Lawmakers are unlikely to consider additional gun-safety measures anytime soon since Republicans will hold majorities in both the House and the Senate starting in January, while Donald Trump — who was endorsed by the NRA — returns as president to the White House.

Michael Collins writes for USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Biden calls for tougher gun-control laws after Madison school shooting