A wave of criticism emerged from Democratic lawmakers following remarks by the new GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson on the issue of gun violence.
What Happened: Johnson, in an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, attributed the issue of gun violence to “the human heart” rather than firearms.
They came in response to a tragic incident in Maine where a gunman killed at least 18 people and injured dozens more. Johnson’s comments drew considerable backlash.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) fired back at Johnson, stating, “It's actually the f***ing weapons.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by other Democrats across social media platforms, directly attributing guns as the issue behind the violence.
Why It Matters: Despite the criticism, Johnson stood by his comments, highlighting the Republican party’s dedication to defending citizens’ right to self-defense. He expressed reluctance to discuss new gun laws at this time while also acknowledging the deep concern over the Maine incident.
The White House has also voiced strong opposition to Johnson’s views. Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates dismissed Johnson’s assertion, stating that “gun crime is uniquely high in the United States because congressional Republicans have spent decades choosing the gun industry's lobbyists over the lives of innocent Americans."
Bates further pointed out that gun violence is now the leading cause of death among American children.
Photo by Allen J.M. Smith on Shutterstock
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