President Joe Biden delivered a speech on Tuesday at an Everytown for Gun Safety event, emphasizing the steps his administration has taken to strengthen the country’s gun laws and enhance penalties for violators. This came amidst an awkward political moment for the President, as his son, Hunter Biden, was convicted earlier in the day on federal gun charges.
Hunter Biden was found guilty of three felony charges for lying on a form when purchasing a firearm in 2018. Despite this, President Biden did not reference his son’s conviction during his speech. Instead, he spoke about personal loss, empathizing with those who have lost loved ones to gun violence.
The President’s remarks come at a time when he has been closely following his son’s trial and remains sensitive to criticism of his family. Biden rearranged his schedule to leave the event directly for Wilmington, where his son remains after the verdict.
While Biden has largely avoided commenting on his son’s trial, he did release a statement following the verdict, expressing his love and support for Hunter. The President’s upcoming trip to Italy for the G7 summit will provide a temporary distraction from the personal drama surrounding his son.
Despite the personal challenges he faces, President Biden remains focused on addressing gun violence. He highlighted the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which he signed into law almost two years ago, as a significant step in reducing gun violence. However, the President did not mention the over 500 new gun charges brought under the legislation, as previously planned.
Biden has been a staunch advocate for gun control measures, including universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons. These efforts will require congressional cooperation, a formidable challenge given the divisive nature of gun control in American politics. Former President Donald Trump has vowed to reverse any gun-control progress made under Biden’s presidency, appealing to gun owners to vote against such measures.
Despite the personal and political challenges facing President Biden, he remains committed to addressing gun violence and implementing measures to prevent further tragedies.
