President Biden on Thursday called on Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, among other gun control measures, in response to the “senseless and tragic” mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. Authorities say a lone gunman killed at least 18 people at 2 p.m. different locations.
In a written statement released by the White House, Biden called on Republican lawmakers to “fulfill their duty to protect the American people” from gun violence.
“Work with us to pass legislation banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, enact universal background checks, require safe gun storage, and end immunity for gun manufacturers,” Biden said. Stated.
“This is the minimum obligation we owe to all Americans who will bear the physical and emotional scars of this attack,” the statement continued.
Live updates: Several killed, major mass shooting in Lewiston
Biden said banning assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition are “minimum obligations that every American owes” in the wake of the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Martin)
At least 18 people were killed in Wednesday night’s shootings at Skeemenzie’s Bar and Grill and Just in Time Bowling, and 13 more were killed, Maine Gov. Janet Mills said at a Thursday morning news conference. He said he was injured.
“Our nation is saddened by yet another senseless and tragic mass shooting,” Biden said in a statement. “Today, Jill and I are praying for the Americans who lost their lives, those who remain in critical care, and the families, survivors, and community members who are enduring shock and grief.”
Who is Robert Card: Maine authorities identify shooting suspect
Robert Card, 40, has been named as a suspect and a massive manhunt is underway across the state. A Maine Law Enforcement Agency bulletin shared with Fox News Digital said Card is a “trained firearms instructor” who has recently “heard calls and threats to shoot up the National Guard base in Saco, Maine.” He reportedly reported mental health issues.
Authorities have released two photos of a suspect involved in a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. The investigation into Card had been ongoing since Thursday morning. (Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office)
Card is also a petroleum supply specialist in the Army Reserve, having enlisted in December 2002, an Army spokesperson told Fox News, adding that Card has not been deployed in combat.
Lewiston police say Robert Card is the suspect in Wednesday night’s shooting. Card is on the run. (Lewiston Police Department)
Maine has a long-standing culture of gun ownership tied to a tradition of hunting and sport shooting. The state does not require a permit to own a gun.
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Recent attempts by gun control advocates to strengthen state gun laws, such as background checks for gun sales and a ban on bump stocks, have failed.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
