Former Homeland Security Chief Jeh Johnson says this time “might be different” for gun reform following mass shootings in Texas and Ohio.
“It feels like this time it might be different,” Johnson said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday.
“My sense is that public opinion and congressional opinion are moving in the direction of doing some things consistent with the Second Amendment. This is a uniquely American problem and it requires a national solution.”
Fifty-three people were murdered in the month of August as a result of mass shootings. Seven were killed and 21 injured Saturday in West Texas. Earlier in the month, a mass murderer killed 21 in an El Paso, Texas, Walmart, and another shooter killed nine and wounded 27 in Dayton, Ohio, in a busy entertainment district.
New gun laws go into effect in Texas Sunday, but many lawmakers are calling for nationwide gun reform.
Johnson said Congress may be inclined “to be in a position to say they have done something on this” as the 2020 elections near.
President Donald Trump initially expressed support for stronger background checks but has not pushed for them in recent weeks.
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