Obama Exploits Anniversary Of Navy Yard Shooting To Call For More Gun Control

On the anniversary of the Washington Navy Yard Shooting—a crime committed by a shooter who passed both state and federal background checks and maintained a security clearance, and who used a weapon not affected by any proposed gun control legislation—President Barack Obama issued a statement calling for more gun control laws.

Advertisement

One year ago, our dedicated military and civilian personnel at the Washington Navy Yard were targeted in an unspeakable act of violence that took the lives of 12 American patriots. As we remember men and women taken from us so senselessly, we keep close their family and friends, stand with the survivors who continue to heal and pay tribute to the first responders who acted with skill and bravery. At the same time, we continue to improve security at our country’s bases and installations to protect our military and civilian personnel who help keep us safe. One year ago, 12 Americans went to work to protect and strengthen the country they loved. Today, we must do the same – rejecting atrocities like these as the new normal and renewing our call for common-sense reforms that respect our traditions while reducing the gun violence that shatters too many American families every day.

Obama provided no specifics proposals in his brief statement, but posturing by gun control groups acting in concert with the White House suggests a shift away from bans on “assault weapons” towards a concerted effort to impose “universal background checks” as a de facto gun registry for all future firearm sales.

Join the conversation as a VIP Member