President Joe Biden is set to sign an executive order aimed at improving school safety measures and addressing gun violence in the United States. The order, expected to be signed on Thursday, will focus on creating active shooter drills that are less traumatic for students while remaining effective.
The administration's efforts will also target new technologies that facilitate easier firing and acquisition of guns. President Biden has made curbing gun violence a top priority during his term, citing his personal experiences consoling victims and witnessing the aftermath of numerous mass shootings.
One of the key initiatives outlined in the order is the establishment of a task force to investigate the risks associated with machine-gun-conversion devices and 3D-printed guns. These technologies pose significant challenges for law enforcement due to their ability to bypass traditional tracking methods.
The order directs the administration to research the potential psychological impact of active shooter drills on students and educators, with the goal of optimizing their effectiveness while minimizing any negative consequences. The president's office of gun violence prevention will play a crucial role in implementing these changes.
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are scheduled to address the issue of gun violence during an event in the Rose Garden. The administration's focus on stricter gun laws aligns with the desires of a majority of Americans, regardless of existing state regulations.
The urgency of addressing gun violence is underscored by recent incidents, such as the shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, where four individuals were killed and 17 others injured. The prevalence of mass shootings in the U.S. remains a significant concern, with at least 31 incidents resulting in 135 deaths recorded so far in 2024.
As the administration continues its efforts to combat gun violence and enhance school safety measures, the task force established by the executive order will play a critical role in assessing emerging threats and proposing effective solutions.
