House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Thursday criticized Republicans for refusing to engage in gun safety talks after six people were killed in a mass shooting at a school in Nashville, Tennessee.
The New York Democrat told reporters that House leaders should allow debate on whether to reinstate the assault weapons ban.
“Extreme MAGA Republicans should file bipartisan universal background check legislation and should also file an assault weapons ban so they can have a debate in [the] openly, before the American people, whether weapons of war have a place in a civilized society,” Jeffries said.
“We are confident in our position. Stop hiding your location,” he continued. “And to discuss the issue of gun safety before the American people.”
Jeffries’ remarks come days after three 9-year-olds and three staff members were killed at The Covenant School in Nashville. The shooter legally acquired seven firearms, including two assault rifles and a handgun used in the attack, according to police. Officers shot the suspect inside the school.
“Our classrooms have become killing fields,” Jeffries said. “Is this acceptable in America?”
After Monday’s massacre, gun control activists, concerned parents and teachers, and Democratic lawmakers quickly called for gun safety legislation, including a ban on assault weapons. But Republicans, many of whom receive money from the gun lobby, refuse to budge.
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (DN.Y.) got into a heated argument with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) on Wednesday over GOP opposition to gun safety, after he asked Capitol Hill reporters to ask Republicans what they had . the plan is. to address the gun violence epidemic. Massie, who heads the pro-gun group Second Amendment, stepped in to propose arming teachers in schools.
“Do you have weapons? More guns lead to more deaths,” Bowman yelled over and over before Massie told him to calm down.
“Take it easy? Kids are dying,” said the Democratic congressman, who spent decades as a teacher, “the solution is not to arm teachers.”
On Thursday, Jeffries said he had not yet spoken to Bowman about the matter, but understood that “passions are high on this issue.”
“Our children are being slaughtered on the streets of America,” said the Democratic leader in the House. “No other country has this problem.”
The House passed an assault weapons ban in July when it was led by Democrats, but the bill never made it to the Senate. With Republicans now in control of the House, such a ban is unlikely to reach President Joe Biden’s desk.
I’m a passionate and motivated journalist with a focus on world news. My experience spans across various media outlets, including Buna Times where I serve as an author. Over the years, I have become well-versed in researching and reporting on global topics, ranging from international politics to current events.