"Empower the Public and Policymakers": Biden Issues Gun Control Executive Order

The Biden administration has begun using executive orders to solve the growing gun crisis in America. These orders focus on measures to stop gun violence through better background checks and regulations for selling firearms. However, several people have criticized these measures, arguing that they violate people’s rights.

A Strategy for Gun Control

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The administration has issued a new executive order that they claim will help enforce gun control. Along with the previously mentioned measures, these orders also include supporting community-based intervention programs. In a statement, they said this order will “move the U.S. as close to universal background checks as possible without additional legislation.”

Storing Guns More Safely

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An important part of the Biden administration’s strategy is promoting the safe storage of firearms. This proposal aims to decrease accidents and unauthorized use of guns, particularly by minors. The Biden administration has called for people to store their firearms more safely at home to avoid such accidents.

Tackling the Issue of School Shootings

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There is also the growing problem of school shootings. The push for safer firearm storage is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to tackle this. They argue that having such easy access to guns by students enables these shootings to take place. This has been proven by the data, with an overwhelming majority of school shootings involving weapons from the shooter’s home.

Accidental Shootings

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Another big problem in the United States is the number of accidental shootings by children. Usually, this is due to firearms being incorrectly stored. In order to tackle this, the Biden administration is once again pushing for safer storage methods. They are trying to educate and encourage gun owners to adopt these measures.

A New Guide

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The Department of Justice is preparing to release a detailed guide on safe firearm storage. According to reports, it will be the most thorough federal resource on the topic to date. It will include information on safer storage, among other topics, to ensure that firearm owners are responsible and aware of the dangers of their weapons.

Engaging Schools in Firearm Safety

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The Department of Education will work with schools to promote safe firearm storage. They are planning to speak with school principals and provide resources to start conversations with parents. Their main goal is to create a culture of gun responsibility and safety within the community.

The Suicide Problem

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The Biden administration has also blamed poor firearm storage for the rise of youth suicides. Several youth suicides involve weapons that are in the home. The administration has argued that storing guns securely can help prevent youth suicides, along with other tragedies, from happening.

Creating a Ban

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Another part of their policy is to ban assault weapons, along with high-capacity magazines. Many of these weapons are often used in the most deadly of mass shootings. Previously, assault weapons were banned until 2004, when the ban expired. However, several gun supporters say that banning such weapons goes against the Second Amendment.

Spreading the Law

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The administration is also calling for more states to adopt red flag laws. These laws allow for the government to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are seen to be a danger to themselves or others. Supporters of this policy claim it is a proactive measure to prevent violence, while critics claim it is an example of government overreach.

Working in the Community

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Additionally, the administration has recognized that gun violence is often a sign of underlying social issues. They have invested in community programs that are focused on violence intervention. These programs address the main causes of gun crime through supportive social services.

The Problem of Ghost Guns

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However, there is also the issue of ghost guns. These are weapons that are virtually impossible to track and are often used by criminals. Biden’s administration has proposed closing a loophole in firearm regulation that has allowed individuals to bypass traditional background checks and registration processes. They claim this will help stop the spread of ghost guns.

Stolen Guns

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Like ghost guns, there is also a huge number of firearms that are stolen annually. Several of these weapons are later used in unrelated crimes. As with the other issues on this list, the Biden administration has encouraged better storage solutions to prevent theft, particularly from vehicles.

Addressing Firearms Lost or Stolen During Shipment

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Data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives shows that over 6,100 firearms were lost or stolen during shipment in 2022. This is an over 250% rise since 2018. To tackle this problem, Biden has ordered the Secretary of Transportation, along with the Department of Justice, to work with carriers and shippers.

Surviving Gun Violence

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However, Biden is not simply trying to prevent gun crime. He has also proposed measures to provide federal support to communities and individuals affected by gun violence. He claimed this would address both immediate and more long-lasting problems. Supporters claim it will help these survivors to rebuild and recover.

Working With the Law

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One of the Executive Orders includes orders for law enforcement to improve the reporting and tracking of ballistics data. This is very important for these officials when investigating and solving gun-related crimes. This measure will allow them to trace firearms more effectively if they are used in crimes and bring criminals to justice.

Better Background Checks

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Another proposal is improving background checks for firearm purchasers. This would stop people who cannot own guns from being able to purchase them. The proposed measures would stop anyone with a history of violence or mental health issues from getting a gun. However, critics claim this violates the Second Amendment, which gives all Americans the right to bear arms.

Getting Accountability

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Additionally, Biden’s administration has also targeted the gun industry. As part of the executive order, they have proposed releasing “ATF records from the inspection of firearms dealers cited for violation of federal firearm laws.” They claim this will “empower the public and policymakers to better understand the problem.”

More Safety Practices

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Additionally, Biden has called on the Department of Defense to “further firearm and public safety practices.” He said he “is directing the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement principles to further firearm and public safety practices through Department of Defense acquisition of firearms, consistent with applicable law.”