Biden Responds To Gun Violence In NYC With Visit To City

After the deadly shooting of NYPD police offers Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora in Harlem, President Joe Biden will travel to New York City this week to discuss a strategic plan with Mayor Eric Adams (D) for tackling gun violence. Adams blames the federal government for the surge in crime and gun violence.

Adams stated that he will be adding mental health professionals to partner with law enforcement to enforce safety in the subway system.

Adams has released his  “Blueprint to End Gun Violence,” which highlights all of the changes he plans to enact. The main objective is to improve public safety by adding more police officers to  patrol key neighborhoods. The mayor noted that heroic work is being done by the NYPD to keep guns off the street. “We will enhance existing public safety units with new neighborhood safety teams which will focus on gun violence,” said Adams.

Back in June 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a strategy to combat gun crime and ensure public safety. It devised a five-step strategy, which ranged from controlling the flow of firearms, supporting law enforcement and assisting with the employment of formerly incarcerated individuals.

In the midst of the gun violence surge, the U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether to require permits from firearm owners to carry outside of their homes. The ruling will have an impact on the number of people able to have a concealed carry gun. While the justices prepare for a decision, Justice Samuel Alito said during court arguments that New York City citizens should be allowed to carry firearms at night in the subway. The decision on gun violence is expected to be handed before a new Supreme Court Justice appointed by Biden is seated on the court after the retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer.

Article by Tara Cumberbatch