Biden Conveys Condolences to Lewiston Shooting Victims during Visit to Maine

President Joe Biden is set to visit Lewiston, Maine, on Friday to pay tribute to the 18 victims of a recent devastating mass shooting in the state. As he has done in the past after tragic incidents in Uvalde, Texas, Buffalo, New York, and Monterey Park, California, the president will once again take on the role of consoler-in-chief. Joining him on this visit will be First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

The visit follows a two-day manhunt for the suspect, who was accused of killing people of various ages and injuring 13 others at a bowling alley and a restaurant. Though the suspect was found dead last week, there are concerns regarding possible warning signs before the attack and how officials handled them.

Expressing frustration with Congress's inaction on the matter, Biden has previously acknowledged the limitations of his executive powers in implementing additional gun control measures. After the Uvalde shooting, which claimed the lives of 21 individuals, including 19 students and two teachers, Biden signed the first significant gun safety legislation in many years.

At a recent fundraiser, the president expressed his disapproval of the use of high-capacity magazines. While he has previously advocated for the renewal of an assault weapons ban, it is highly unlikely that such a measure will be approved by a Congress that is divided on this issue.

During the fundraising event in Washington, Biden questioned the necessity of owning an assault weapon capable of holding up to 100 rounds, stating, "Why would anyone need such a weapon?"

The president declared in a statement last week that his administration will persist in supplying "all necessary aid for the citizens of Maine." He furthermore stressed his plea to Congress to enact laws combatting gun violence and implored Republicans to fulfill their duty of ensuring the safety of the American people. Prior to Biden's scheduled visit, The White House outlined the specific resources allocated by the Biden administration in response to the shooting.

A White House official stated that following the occurrence of this tragedy, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, under the guidance of the president, has been collaborating closely with Maine's governor to provide assistance to the Lewiston community and all individuals impacted by this senseless act of violence. Led by Vice President Kamala Harris, this office was established in September with the aim of tackling the widespread issue of firearm-related injuries and fatalities in the country.

The White House has been collaborating with Maine Gov. Janet Mills and has deployed Greg Jackson, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, to work closely with the FBI and Justice Department in utilizing federal law enforcement resources. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services has provided assistance from behavioral health and public health staff. Stefanie Feldman, director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, emphasized that President Biden will persist in urging Congress to take action on gun safety legislation.

In a statement, Feldman expressed that President Biden is dedicated to utilizing resources from various federal agencies in order to provide unwavering support to Lewiston. Furthermore, he emphasized that President Biden will persistently exert his efforts to put a halt to the widespread issue of gun violence that is tearing communities apart, while urging Congress to take action on gun safety legislation that is sensible.