Biden to take executive action on guns this week, report says
Several executive orders may be unveiled as part of comprehensive package to tackle gun violence
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Joe Biden will take action to curb gun violence as soon as Thursday, according to a report.
The president is expected to unveil a package of executive actions at the White House, Politico reports, citing four people familiar with the plan.
Long-awaited by activists keen for action from the Biden administration, the move will fulfil a campaign pledge to make regulations of firearms a priority.
Recent mass shootings in Georgia, Colorado, and California have further frustrated campaigners.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Tuesday that she expects to hear more from the president tomorrow regarding the issue, but would not be drawn on further details.
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It is believed that Mr Biden will order that the buyers of “ghost guns” – homemade or makeshift weapons – be subjected to background checks.
Other specifics are unclear, but there could be actions related to concealed assault-style weapons; a ban on firearm purchases by those convicted of domestic violence; and federal guidelines on the storage of firearms at home.
More than 100 Democrat lawmakers in the House of Representatives wrote to the president last week asking for action on concealed assault weapons following the deaths of 10 people in a Colorado grocery store.
Mr Biden may also announce his nominee to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – potentially one of the tougher confirmation hearings in the 50:50 split Senate.
The administration has said that legislative fixes to gun violence are a greater priority than executive action, highlighting support for bills to expand background checks, stop guns being handed over before such checks are completed, and a ban on assault weapons.
Senior officials told Politico that the administration understands the urgency and is looking forward to rolling out these initial actions.
Advocacy groups are hoping for a comprehensive plan to tackle gun violence rather than standalone bills and executive orders.
During the pandemic, 2020’s summer of racial unrest, and Mr Biden’s electoral victory, gun sales soared.
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