Evan Vucci/AP
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden laid flowers at Schemengees Bar and Grille, one of the sites of last week’s mass shooting, on Friday in Lewiston, Maine.
Washington
CNN
—
President Joe Biden on Friday visited a grieving Lewiston, Maine, to mourn the 18 people killed in a mass shooting last week, expressing hope for progress in addressing gun violence.
The president – once again acting as a comforter, a role he has previously taken after horrific mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas. Buffalo, New York; and Monterey Park, California – visited the community with first lady Dr. Jill Biden to mourn the dead.
During brief remarks, Biden called on members of the Lewiston community to embrace the survivors of the shooting spree, while saying he still held out hope for progress on passing comprehensive gun legislation to prevent future massacres despite a deeply divided Congress. .
“Too many Americans have lost loved ones or survived the trauma of gun violence. I know because Jill and I have met with them in Buffalo, Uvalde, Monterey Park, and Sandy Hook…too many to count. Too many to count from places that never make the news across America,” the president said. “It’s about bringing people together, different voices and perspectives, for an honest conversation about the long road to recovery. You know I’ve been at this for a long time. I know that consensus is ultimately possible.”
The president added that “Jill and I have done too much of this,” while calling on lawmakers to enact “common, common sense, responsible measures to protect our children, our families, our communities. Because regardless of our politics, this is about protecting our freedom to go to a bowling alley, a restaurant, a school, a church without being shot and killed.”
The visit comes after authorities ended a two-day manhunt for the suspect, who is accused of killing people between the ages of 14 and 76 and wounding 13 others at a bowling alley and restaurant. The suspect was found dead last week, but questions remain about possible warning signs before the rampage and their handling by officials.
The Bidens stopped by Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston to pay their respects at a memorial service for the victims. The president and first lady laid a bouquet of flowers at the memorial and were joined by local dignitaries and Schemengees Bar owner Kathy Lebel.
“No two pains are the same, but we know what it’s like to lose a piece of our soul in a loss that is so profound — some of us have been there,” he said Friday. “Eighteen precious souls stolen, 13 injured: children, grandchildren, spouses, siblings, parents, grandparents, bowling coaches, union members, beloved members, supporters and friends of Lewiston’s deaf and hard of hearing community. All of them lived lives of love, service and sacrifice.”
Biden has expressed frustration with the lack of action in Congress on the issue and has previously suggested that his executive powers are limited when it comes to enforcing further gun control. After the Uvalde shooting that killed 21 people – 19 students and two teachers – Biden signed into law the first major piece of gun safety legislation in decades.
Speaking at a fundraiser last week, the president criticized the use of high-capacity magazines. He has previously called for a renewal of the assault weapons ban, but there is little chance such a measure would pass a divided Congress.
“Who the hell needs an assault rifle that can hold, in some cases, up to 100 rounds?” Biden said at the fundraiser in Washington.
The president said in a statement last week that his administration would continue to “provide what is needed to support the people of Maine.” He also reiterated his call for Congress to pass legislation to address gun violence and urged Republicans to “fulfill their obligation to keep the American people safe.”
The White House outlined the resources the Biden administration has committed in response to the shooting ahead of the visit.
“Since this tragedy occurred, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, under the direction of the president, has been working closely with the governor of Maine to support the Lewiston community and every person affected by this senseless act of violence. ,” a White House official said.
The gun violence prevention office, established in September and led by Vice President Kamala Harris, aims to address the nation’s epidemic of gun injuries and deaths.
In addition to coordinating with Maine Governor Janet Mills, the White House has Deputy Director of the White House Office of Armed Forces Violence Prevention Greg Jackson on site to coordinate with the FBI and Department of Justice on the use of federal funds law enforcement. The Department of Health and Human Services has also sent behavioral and public health support staff.
Stephanie Feldman, director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, said Biden will continue to urge Congress to act on gun safety legislation.
“President Biden is committed to pooling resources from across the federal government to support Lewiston every step of the way. He will also continue to be relentless in doing everything in his power to stop the epidemic of gun violence that is tearing our communities apart and urge Congress to act on common sense gun safety legislation,” Feldman said in a statement.