On Monday of this week, three teenagers were shot outside of Des Moines East High School. One, a 15-year-old boy, Jose David Lopez, was killed. The other two girls who are 16 and 18, are in critical condition.

Six teens were arrested in connection to the killing, and are now being charged with first-degree murder along with two counts of attempted murder.

President Joe Biden released a statement yesterday regarding the act, saying the incident should be a rallying cry to end gun violence in America:

Enough. Our young people should be safe in and around school, in their neighborhoods, and in their homes. Every American should be able to visit a house of worship, a grocery store, a nightclub, or any other place without fear of being gunned down. That too many cannot is a stain on our national character and an urgent call to action.

He acknowledged the pain of the families and the response of Des Moines police and others:

Jill and I pray for his family and for everyone impacted by yet another senseless act of gun violence.

A half dozen suspects have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the shooting, and we are grateful to Des Moines law enforcement and first responders for their quick work and professionalism.

The president continued, saying that the legislation he has put forward is not an infringement on the Second Amendment and asking Congress to take action:

As I reiterated in my State of the Union address last week, it is up to Congress to pass proven measures to reduce gun violence—including universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and a repeal of the liability shield protecting gun manufacturers who knowingly put weapons of war on our streets.

At the moment, Congress is majority Democrat, with 272 public officials serving. Republicans currently have 261 seats.

Here is the entire statement:

White House
White House
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