Biden commemorates 21 victims of Texas elementary school shooting 3 Israeli soldiers convicted after attack on Palestinians

Too many schools, too many places of everyday life in America have become battlefields, he said in a speech at the White House on Wednesday. “And everywhere we hear the same message: do something. For God’s sake, just do something!” It’s time to take action and raise your voice — “not as Democrats or Republicans, but as friends, neighbors, parents — and as fellow Americans,” the US president said.

On May 24, 2022, an 18-year-old gunman shot and killed 19 children and 2 teachers at an elementary school in the small Texas town of Uvalde. The attacker fired an assault rifle at the children and teachers in two connected classrooms.

Shortly after the crime, it was revealed that police officers had been standing in the corridor in front of the classroom at an early stage, but had made no attempts to enter the room for a long time – although children inside had called the police several times in desperation. More than 75 minutes after the gunman opened fire, emergency services entered the room and killed the perpetrator.

Once again, the US president called for tightening of gun laws, for example by banning assault rifles and rapid-fire magazines. To push through such a thing, Biden and his Democrats depend on the willingness of Republicans in Congress to cooperate. But efforts to tighten gun laws have been in vain for years, largely because of opposition from Republicans. In addition, the gun lobby, led by the powerful National Rifle Association (NRA), vehemently opposes any attempt to tighten gun control. (sda/dpa)