Statement from President Joe Biden on the Supreme Court Decision Garland v. Cargill

In October 2017, a gunman opened fire at a concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. Because he used a weapon that was modified with a bump stock, he fired more than 1000 bullets in just ten minutes, killing 60, wounding hundreds, and traumatizing countless Americans. Today’s decision strikes down an important gun safety regulation. Americans should not have to live in fear of this mass devastation.

While extreme Congressional Republicans want to defund the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), I have used every tool in my Administration to stamp out gun violence. I nominated the first Senate-confirmed Director of the ATF since 2015. My Administration ensured that the ATF has the funding it needs to address emerging firearm technologies like machinegun conversion devices and ghost guns that pose a unique and acute threat to public safety.

Notwithstanding this decision, my Administration will continue to take action. I took on the NRA and signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – the most significant gun violence reduction legislation to pass Congress in nearly 30 years. My Administration established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, made historic investments in mental health to support people in times of crisis, and expanded background checks to keep firearms out of the wrong hands.

We know thoughts and prayers are not enough. I call on Congress to ban bump stocks, pass an assault weapon ban, and take additional action to save lives – send me a bill and I will sign it immediately.

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