Title: President Biden Visits Sites of Deadly Mass Shootings, Urges Action on Gun Violence
Date: November 3, 2023
LEWISTON, Maine – President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden paid their respects to the victims of a deadly mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, as they visited the locations where the tragic incident took place. On October 25, a gunman opened fire at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant and the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley, killing 18 people and injuring 13.
The President and First Lady solemnly placed flowers at a memorial outside Schemengees Bar & Grille, as a way to honor the lives lost and express solidarity with the grieving community. They also visited the bowling alley, where gunfire rang out and innocent patrons lost their lives.
During his visit, President Biden expressed his condolences, stating, “We’re here to grieve with you, so you know you’re not alone.” The trip marks another challenging test for the President, as he seeks to console and support communities affected by tragedy.
President Biden, who had previously met with survivors of an attack in Tel Aviv, emphasized the need for bipartisan efforts to combat rampant gun violence. He mentioned that he had visited numerous sites of mass shootings since taking office early last year – a grim reminder of the urgent action required to address this pressing issue.
The shooter in the Lewiston tragedy was identified as 40-year-old U.S. Army reservist, Robert R. Card. He took his own life within a cargo trailer on the lot of a recycling plant, where he had worked in the past.
Despite hurdles and opposition, President Biden renewed his call for reasonable gun control measures, emphasizing the importance of protecting children, families, and communities. He urged both Democrats and Republicans to find common ground on this significant issue.
Following his remarks, the Bidens met privately with family members, community members, and first responders directly affected by the shooting. Stefanie Feldman, director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, assured the community that President Biden is committed to providing federal resources to support Lewiston during its recovery.
Efforts to address gun violence have gained momentum, with Representative Jared Golden, whose constituents were victims in the massacre, reversing his opposition to a ban on assault-style weapons. However, the political landscape in Washington remains challenging, as Republican control of the House of Representatives presents obstacles for gun control legislation.
President Biden’s visit highlights the need for comprehensive action to prevent future tragedies and protect lives. The United States continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of gun violence, underscoring the urgency for meaningful change and bipartisan cooperation.