Joe Biden Unveils New White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention

President Joe Biden made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing the establishment of the inaugural White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, according to ABC News.

His objective is to combat the pervasive issue of gun violence that has plagued the nation.

Speaking from the Rose Garden, President Biden underscored the importance of this action, stating, "I've taken this step to send a clear message about how vital this issue is, both to me and the entire nation."

The president shared the heartwrenching calls for action that resound across the country following each mass shooting, as survivors bear physical and emotional scars, families are forever altered, and communities grapple with grief and trauma. His message emphasized the urgency to "do something" about gun violence.

While the announcement doesn't introduce new policy initiatives, President Biden emphasized that the new White House office will serve to "centralize, accelerate, and intensify" the administration's efforts in addressing gun violence.

Stefanie Feldman, appointed as the director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, explained that the president believes this is the moment to expedite their work in reducing gun violence.

Congressional Democrats Urge Joe Biden To Use 'Full Power' To Fight Gun Violence

This development comes shortly after a group of congressional Democrats wrote a letter to President Biden, urging him to harness "the full power of the executive branch" in the fight against gun violence, per CNN.

President Biden acknowledged the actions his administration has taken so far, including executive measures targeting ghost guns, combatting gun trafficking, and more.

He also highlighted the significant bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed into law last year, which expanded background checks, enhanced red flag laws, and improved access to mental health services.

US Vice President Kamala Harris To Lead White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Vice President Kamala Harris will head the new White House office, a role she accepted with a promise to use the full authority of the federal government to build a stronger coalition of advocates, survivors, students, teachers, and elected leaders to save lives and ensure people's right to safety.

The President and Vice President were joined in the Rose Garden by Representative Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress at 26 years old, FOX News reports.

Rep. Frost acknowledged his role in introducing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2023 and commended President Biden and Vice President Harris for taking executive action to make it a reality.

President Joe Biden emphasized that guns are the leading cause of child mortality in the United States.

He declared the intent to address issues like banning assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and the regulation of "ghost guns."

Advocacy groups have long called for executive action on firearms since President Biden's inauguration, including declaring a national emergency on gun violence.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Joe Biden announces new White House office for gun violence prevention - From MSNBC