President Joe Biden urged Republican lawmakers and called gun control measures "long overdue" on Monday following the mass shooting in Louisville, Ky.
Earlier on Monday, a lone gunman and employee of Louisville's Old National Bank opened fire on his colleagues, killing four and injuring eight. Within minutes, police arrived on the scene and exchanged fire. Authorities are investigating whether the shooter died from police officers or from a self-inflicted wound. One officer who was shot in the exchange remains in critical but stable condition.
Following the incident, Biden called Republican lawmakers, urging them to move on legislation.
"How many more Americans must die before Republicans in Congress will act to protect our communities?" the president asked, according to The Hill. "It's long past time that we require safe storage of firearms. Require background checks for all gun sales. Eliminate gun manufacturers' immunity from liability. We can and must do these things now."
During his statement, Biden pointed to legislation in Florida and North Carolina that he argued are "dangerous bills that make our schools, places of worship, and communities less safe."
Last week, the White House criticized Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing a bill allowing residents to carry concealed firearms without a permit.
"It's unconscionable, it's reckless, and too many Americans are paying with their lives," Biden remarked.
The president, however, went on to congratulate officers in the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department for their actions and stated that he and the first lady are praying for the victims.
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