The White House on Wednesday applauded the new assault weapons ban passed in the state of Illinois, which has become the ninth U.S. state in the country to adopt such a measure.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said U.S. President Joe Biden «commends the leadership of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker,» as well as other top officials and numerous advocates and survivors for their «tireless efforts.»
In this regard, the Biden Administration believes that their work «changed the pain» of gun violence «into meaningful action on behalf of all Illinoisans.»
«Too many Americans across the country continue to lose their lives or loved ones to gun violence,» the Jean-Pierre has lamented, as can be read in a statement from the White House.
In addition, Biden has «continued to press for more action,» while urging other states to follow the lead of these nine states–from California and New Jersey to New York and Washington–.
Nevertheless, the U.S. Administration spokeswoman highlighted the President’s «historic steps» to reduce gun violence, noting the signing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which she described as «the first major gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years».
Pritzker signed into law Tuesday night a bill banning the sale and distribution of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, a measure that took effect immediately, CBS reported.
«For the past four years, my administration and my colleagues at the State Capitol have been fighting the powerful forces of the NRA (National Rifle Association) to enshrine the strongest and most effective anti-gun violence legislation we can,» Pritzker said in a statement.
The governor was referring with this statement to the fact that the bill had been under discussion for years, but had received renewed support following the July 4, 2022, parade shooting in Highland Park, which left seven dead and dozens injured after the 21-year-old suspect used a legally purchased semi-automatic weapon, according to prosecutors.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
