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Former US President Donald Trump

Photo: OLIVIER DOULIERY/ AFP

Former President Donald Trump wants to reverse gun restrictions imposed by President Joe Biden if re-elected. "Every single attack by Biden on gun owners and manufacturers will be stopped in my very first week in office, perhaps even on my first day," Trump said in a speech to thousands of supporters on Friday (local time) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The event was organized by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

The NRA enthusiastically supported Trump during the 2016 election campaign and throughout his term as US president. Trump is the Republicans' leading candidate in the 2024 presidential election campaign and sees conservative gun owners as a decision-maker for his re-election.

Tens of thousands are victims of gun violence in the United States every year

There are few issues that divide the country like the right to bear arms. Firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the United States. Tens of thousands die every year in gunfights or rampages; Hardly a week goes by without reports of deaths. After particularly tragic cases such as the massacre at a school in Uvalde, Texas, when an 18-year-old shot 19 children and two teachers, politicians always debate action against gun ownership. But without any real consequences.

  • You can find a data analysis of the number of victims over the past 20 years here: How amok crimes are developing in the USA 

US President Joe Biden made the fight against the widespread spread of weapons in the country one of his central issues. Last fall, he created a new Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the White House and put Vice President Kamala Harris in charge. The ex-public prosecutor is the perfect choice with her experience.

The United States is “torn apart” by gun violence, Harris said when she took office. The Office of Gun Violence Prevention, located in the White House, is primarily intended to coordinate political measures. Attempts to reform gun laws in the country have failed for years due to resistance from Congress.

Since taking office in January 2021, Democratic President Joe Biden has only introduced restrictions via regulation. However, these only have a minor impact.

OK/Reuters