Gun violence has taken center stage in the presidential race following a mass shooting at a Georgia high school in September. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have differing views on how to address the issue, with Harris advocating for an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and red flag laws, while Trump emphasizes Second Amendment rights.
A Pew Research Center study shows that about 60% of Americans view gun violence as a problem, with expectations that it will worsen in the next five years. Gun violence has been a prevalent issue in the U.S., with 421 mass shootings reported this year. Firearms remain the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1 to 17.
In response to recent mass shootings, Congress passed bipartisan gun safety legislation providing mental health funds, red flag laws, and establishing a White House Office for Gun Violence Prevention. President Biden tasked Harris with leading this office to implement the legislation.
As for Trump, during his first presidency, he banned bump stocks after a mass shooting in Las Vegas but vetoed legislation enhancing background checks on guns. He has pledged to roll back Biden administration gun regulations if re-elected, including ending gun-free zones and offering tax credits to teachers who carry firearms in schools.
Both candidates have promised action on gun violence, with Democrats advocating for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and Trump focusing on protecting Second Amendment rights and arming law-abiding citizens in schools. The issue of gun violence is likely to remain a significant policy issue throughout the presidential race.
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