FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Parkland, Florida, to advocate for stronger laws aimed at preventing gun violence. The visit comes in the wake of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, where 17 lives were lost to a gunman.
Harris will meet with families of the victims and tour the school, emphasizing the importance of “red flag” laws. These laws allow courts to issue orders to remove firearms from individuals who pose a high risk of harming themselves or others.
During her visit, Harris will push for more states to implement these laws, as well as urge states that already have them to utilize available federal funds for crisis intervention programs. While six states currently have red flag laws in place, Harris aims to encourage 29 other states without such laws to enact them.
The tragic incident at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School highlighted the urgent need for stronger gun control measures. The shooter, a former student who had exhibited mental health issues, was ultimately sentenced to life in prison for his actions. Advocates of red flag laws argue that they can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
President Joe Biden has made gun violence prevention a top priority, calling for measures such as an assault weapons ban and universal background checks. However, the political landscape presents challenges, with a divided Congress making it difficult to pass comprehensive gun control legislation.
As the United States grapples with the devastating impact of gun violence, the visit by Vice President Harris serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to address this pressing issue. By advocating for the strengthening of gun laws, Harris aims to honor the memory of the victims of the Parkland shooting and prevent future tragedies from occurring.