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White House Calls for Bipartisan Action on Gun Control
Partisan politics cannot be avoided in the aftermath of Monday’s tragic school shooting in Nashville, the White House said on Tuesday. Principal deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton stated that until Republicans support an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and safe storage requirements, discussions on gun control will inevitably become political. “There is a limit to his executive power and there is a need for Congress to do more in this moment,” Dalton added.
The Tennessee School Shooting
Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old transgender man who previously attended the Covenant School in Tennessee, killed three children and three adults in a meticulously planned attack on Monday. Hale conducted surveillance and drew detailed maps of the school before opening fire. The attacker was eventually killed by police officers.
Police Release Security Camera Footage
The Nashville Police have released security camera footage of the attack, showing Hale firing at arriving officers from windows on the second floor of the building. Chief John Drake stated that officers fatally wounded Hale shortly after encountering him in a common area on the second floor.
The Need for Bipartisan Gun Control Legislation
During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One, a reporter questioned the White House’s commitment to gun control in the face of continued school shootings. Dalton reiterated President Biden’s support for significant bipartisan gun safety legislation and urged Republicans to support such measures. “We need Republicans in Congress to get on board with an assault weapons ban, to get on board with universal background checks, to get on board with requiring safe storage,” Dalton said.
The Limits of Executive Power
Dalton also acknowledged that the President has limited executive power in this matter and that Congress must take a more proactive role in enacting gun control legislation. While the White House is committed to tackling the issue of gun safety, bipartisan support is necessary to enact meaningful change.
