Biden Calls for Ban on AR-15s After Trump Assassination Attempt
In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden has called for a ban on AR-15 semi-automatic rifles, the weapon used in the attack. Speaking at a campaign rally in Las Vegas, Biden emphasized the need to rid American streets of these 'weapons of war.' The AR-15 has been at the center of numerous mass shootings and remains a contentious issue in the ongoing debate over gun control in the United States.
Independent Investigation into Security Lapses
President Biden has also ordered an independent investigation into the security measures surrounding the attack on Trump. Speaking at the White House, he assured the public that former President Trump had received the highest level of security as a Republican presidential candidate and former president. Biden urged against hasty speculation regarding the motive and security failures, aiming to counter claims from Republican lawmakers who have criticized the administration's handling of the incident. The Secret Service (SS) has come under scrutiny, with conflicting reports about their response to the shooter.
Global Reactions to the Assassination Attempt
The assassination attempt on Donald Trump has elicited global reactions. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed their shock and condemned the violence. Former President Barack Obama and current Vice President Kamala Harris also spoke out against political violence, emphasizing the need for decency and respect in politics. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and UN Secretary-General António Guterres joined in condemning the attack, highlighting the broader implications for democracy and political stability.
- In addition to his call for a ban on AR-15s, Biden's administration faces pressure from both sides of the political spectrum. Some Republican lawmakers have demanded enhanced security measures for Trump, while others have criticized Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for allegedly rejecting previous security enhancement requests.
- The House Government Oversight Committee plans to call SS Director Kimberly Chittle to testify regarding the shooting incident. This move indicates a broader legislative inquiry into the security protocols and potential lapses that allowed the attack to occur.
- The FBI has identified the shooter as a 20-year-old man, and the incident has sparked a renewed debate on gun control and political violence in America. The rapid spread of images and reports from the scene has intensified the global reaction, with leaders from various countries condemning the act and calling for a review of security and political rhetoric in the United States.
- Biden's response, which included a phone call to Trump and a public statement, has been met with mixed reactions. While some praised his call for unity and action, others criticized the timing of his response, particularly in comparison to former President Obama's quicker public statement.
