President Joe Biden has chosen Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the newly-created federal office of gun violence prevention. The office aims to find solutions to rising violence by exploring options beyond congressional action. Harris, with her background as a former prosecutor and state attorney general, is well-suited to lead this effort. This new responsibility adds to Harris’ portfolio of high-profile domestic issues, including voting rights, abortion, and the increase in migration to the U.S.
The decision to establish this office comes as a response to the demand of gun safety activists who endorsed Biden for president in 2024. It is also part of the administration’s strategy to keep gun violence front and center as Biden pushes for a ban on “assault weapons” and mobilizes key voting groups for his reelection.
According to various polls, a majority of Americans support stricter gun laws. This desire may stem from the belief that reducing the number of guns can lead to fewer mass shootings. So far in 2023, there have been at least 35 mass killings in the U.S., resulting in the deaths of at least 171 people.
The newly-created office will be directed by Stefanie Feldman, who shares the president’s commitment to addressing the concerns of young people who demand an end to gun violence. The office will work towards implementing a federal gun safety law passed last year, which strengthened background checks and aimed to keep firearms away from domestic violence offenders. The office will also focus on finding ways to curb violence across the country without relying solely on congressional action.
The announcement of the new office is expected to take place during a Rose Garden event on Friday, attended by law enforcement, advocacy groups, and families affected by mass shootings. Greg Jackson and Rob Wilcox, from the Community Justice Action Fund and Everytown for Gun Safety respectively, will also have roles in the office.
While progress has been made with the 2022 gun safety law, there is still much work to be done. The office will seek to continue efforts in preventing gun violence and ensuring the safety of communities.
Focus Keyword: gun violence prevention
