White House Issues Statement On Gun Violence in America Following Halloween Weekend Shootings

The White House has released a statement in response to the gun violence that has taken place this past Halloween weekend.

Over the last few days, families have been scarred by news of tragedy following gun violence.

A few incidents that made national headlines this weekend include reports of a shooter targeting two officers in New Jersey. Migos member/rapper Takeoff was shot and killed at 28 years old, and two others were injured in Houston Monday. Fourteen people were wounded by gunfire in Chicago, including three children. In Kansas City, six were wounded, and a teenager was killed at a Halloween party.

Although not all victims have been named, the White House has offered its deepest condolences to the extended families of all the victims, adding that Americans are “scarred by the devastating impacts” of recent gun violence.

“These are just the shootings that made national headlines,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. “In other cases, we may not know the names of the victims, but we mourn equally with their families and communities. Our deepest condolences go to the families of all victims.”

“Enough is enough. Gun violence in this country is an epidemic that will not end with thoughts and prayers alone,” the statement read. “President Biden will continue to do everything in his power to reduce gun violence, including by calling on Congress to increase community violence intervention funding, ensure universal background checks, and send legislation to his desk banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. It’s past time we turn our pain into purpose.”