People call for restrictions on the uncontrolled sale of weapons as incidents of mass shootings rise
On Saturday, thousands of people took to the streets across the United States against gun violence.
In the nationwide protests, about 450 rallies were held across the country with 50000 people gathering in Washington D.C.
March for Our Life, a gun safety group, organized the protest to pressurize the government to pass legislation for stricter gun control laws.
In the wake of the recent mass shooting in the USA, the Biden administration is planning to pass legislation for gun control.
But people are unsatisfied with the purposed legislation considering it moderate and insufficient.
The protesters are demanding better laws for the regulation and licensing of guns.
The demands include universal background checks, raising the minimum age to bear weapons from 18 to 21, and a complete ban on the sale of assault weapons to civilians.
Reason behind protests
On 24th May, 11 children and two teachers died when an 18 years old man opened fire at the Robb Elementary School, South Texas.
In an another incident on 4th June, 2 men and 1 woman were shot dead with 11 people left injured after a mass shooting in Philadelphia.
These are among the many mass shooting incidents in the United States.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, so far this year there have been nearly 240 mass shooting incidents in the United States.
There is a fear among people due to the rising gun violence and mass shootings and people are frustrated with the inaction of the government.
Many prominent politicians and personalities have raised their concerns about the issue.
Earlier this week actor Matthew McConaughey delivered an emotional address at the White House while calling for gun control laws.
Government’s response
The Biden administration is planning to pass federal legislation for gun control. The proposed bill includes making juvenile criminal records part of background checks for 18 to 21-year-olds.
Further, the bill includes giving money to the states to create Red Flag Laws which allow authorities to take away the guns of individuals considered dangerous.
The bill also includes giving money to states to expand behavioral mental health services and using school funding to increase school security.
But the possibility of passing the legislation in the Senate remains uncertain as Republicans are opposing the bill.
Republicans consider the bill a violation of the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which provides American citizens with the right to bear arms.
Source: Reuters, BBC, MSNBC
