Controversial Executive Order by Biden Stirs Debate on Gun Control

Hand holding gun with American flag background.

President Biden signs a controversial executive order aimed at tightening gun control measures, igniting fierce debate over Second Amendment rights.

At a Glance

Biden’s executive order focuses on cracking down on 3D printed guns and improving active shooter drills in schools
The order establishes a taskforce to assess emerging firearm threats and develop strategies to combat them
Critics argue the order infringes on Second Amendment rights and exceeds executive authority
The move comes amid ongoing national debate over gun control and public safety

Biden’s Executive Order Sparks Controversy

President Joe Biden has once again thrust the contentious issue of gun control into the national spotlight by signing a new executive order on Thursday. The order, aimed at addressing what the administration calls “emerging firearm threats,” has reignited the fierce debate over Second Amendment rights and the limits of executive power.

The executive order focuses on two main areas: cracking down on 3D printed guns and improving active shooter drills in schools. It establishes an emerging firearm threats taskforce, which will be directed to issue a report within 90 days assessing the threats posed by these weapons and developing strategies to combat them. Additionally, the order directs federal agencies to develop guidelines for schools regarding active shooter drills, aiming to minimize potential trauma to students.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were set to sign an executive order on gun control Thursday that includes $135 million in funding for states to implement red-flag laws. https://t.co/eFiVbQny04

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) September 27, 2024

Concerns Over Executive Overreach

Critics of the order argue that it represents an overreach of executive authority and infringes on Second Amendment rights. The National Rifle Association (NRA) has been particularly vocal in its opposition, expressing concern over the order’s potential impact on law-abiding gun owners.

According to The Hill, “President Biden on Thursday will sign a new executive order on gun violence prevention, aiming to crack down on 3D printed guns and to improve active shooter drills at the nation’s schools. The president and Vice President Harris will both give remarks on the new orders, which will be their first joint event on gun violence prevention since Biden asked Harris to oversee the newly-formed Office of Gun Violence Prevention a year ago.”

The order directs Attorney General Merrick Garland to develop a plan for “universal background checks” for firearm transfers, a move that has long been opposed by gun rights advocates. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission is encouraged to analyze how gun manufacturers market firearms to minors and civilians, raising concerns about potential restrictions on commercial speech.

Biden Administration’s Broader Gun Control Efforts

This executive order is part of a larger push by the Biden administration to address gun violence in the United States. The White House has pointed to recent data showing a significant drop in homicide rates, attributing this decline in part to their gun control efforts. However, critics argue that these measures infringe on law-abiding citizens’ rights without effectively addressing the root causes of gun violence.

“It was designed to reduce gun violence and save lives,” Biden said recently of the law. “And I’m so proud of the tremendous progress we’ve made since then.”

The administration has previously delivered over $15 billion in funding for law enforcement and public safety strategies through the American Rescue Plan. Additionally, the Department of Justice is providing $135 million for the implementation of red flag programs and related initiatives, further underscoring the administration’s commitment to gun control measures.

The Road Ahead

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, gun control is likely to remain a divisive issue. With the NRA officially endorsing former President Donald Trump and the creation of a “Gun Owners for Trump” coalition, the battle lines are clearly drawn. The Biden administration’s continued push for stricter gun control measures is sure to face strong opposition from Second Amendment advocates and Republican lawmakers.

While supporters of the executive order argue that it’s a necessary step to address gun violence, opponents see it as an unconstitutional infringement on their rights. As the debate rages on, the effectiveness and legality of these measures will likely be tested in the courts, ensuring that the issue of gun control remains at the forefront of American political discourse for the foreseeable future.