As his term nears its end, President Joe Biden has taken significant action to combat gun violence in the United States. On Wednesday, he signed a new executive order targeting the growing threat of firearms. This move comes weeks before the upcoming 2024 presidential election and amid increasing concerns over gun-related deaths, particularly among children.
Biden and Kamala Harris Address Gun Violence
Announcing the order, President Biden emphasized the urgency of addressing gun violence in the country. “Join Vice President Kamala Harris and me as we deliver remarks on addressing the scourge of gun violence in America,” he posted on social media platform X. He pointed out a troubling fact: “The number one cause of deaths of children in America is gun violence—more than disease or accidents.” Calling the situation “sickening,” Biden expressed his determination to tackle the issue.
Focus on Emerging Firearm Threats
Earlier in the day, Biden shared more details about the order. “Today, I’ll sign an Executive Order to crack down on emerging firearm threats like unserialized, 3D-printed guns and machine gun conversion devices,” he posted. The President’s executive order also focuses on improving school-based active shooter drills, highlighting the need for greater safety measures in educational institutions.
According to data, the US has one of the highest numbers of civilian-owned guns globally, with an average of 120.5 firearms per 100 people. This figure is more than double that of the next-highest country, Yemen, with 52.8 guns per 100 people.
The Growing Gun Violence Crisis
Gun violence in the United States has become a national crisis, particularly with the rise of school shootings. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that child gun deaths in the US reached record highs, with 4,752 children dying from gun-related injuries in 2021, a rise from 4,368 in 2020 and 3,390 in 2019. Since 2020, gun violence has been the leading cause of death among children in the US.
The study also highlighted racial disparities in firearm-related deaths, showing that Black children accounted for 67% of firearm homicides, while 78% of gun-related suicides involved white children.
Recent School Shootings and the Debate on Gun Laws
The issue of school shootings remains a major concern, with the recent Georgia school shooting claiming four lives just weeks ago. The suspect, a 14-year-old, was arrested. This incident adds to the hundreds of shootings that have occurred in US schools and universities over the past two decades. The deadliest of these, in 2007, resulted in over 30 deaths at Virginia Tech.
These shootings have reignited debates over gun laws and the US Constitution’s Second Amendment, which protects the right “to keep and bear arms.”
Key Measures in Biden’s Executive Order
President Biden’s executive order, signed six weeks before the 2024 election, outlines two primary focuses. The first targets “emerging firearm threats,” including devices that convert handheld guns into automatic weapons. These devices are already illegal, but their widespread use has prompted Biden to crack down on their availability.
Another area of concern is unlicensed, unserialized guns, including those produced through 3D printing. These firearms are harder to trace and can bypass traditional metal detectors and scanners, making them a significant threat.
The second part of the executive order directs key departments, such as Homeland Security and Education, to draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for active shooter drills in schools and vulnerable locations. It also requires law enforcement to tighten the monitoring of gun sales, including ammunition and automatic weapons. More specifics of the order will become clear once it is ratified. Before signing the executive order, President Biden made a public call for stronger gun control.