Buckeye Reporter

On June 14, 2024, President Joe Biden delivered a speech demanding more gun control just hours after his son, Hunter Biden, was convicted on three counts of falsifying the background check form (ATF Form 4473) when purchasing a handgun. Speaking at Everytown for Gun Safety’s “Gun Sense University” in Washington, D.C., Biden reiterated his stance on gun control and made statements that have sparked controversy.

“How many have heard this phrase, the blood of liberty washes those ... gimme a break,” Biden said. “No, I mean it. Seriously. And by the way, if they want to think they want to take on government if we get out of line, which they’re talking again about, guess what, they need F-15s. They don’t need a rifle.”

The president's quote deviated from its original form: “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants,” written by Thomas Jefferson in an 1787 letter to William Stephens Smith.

Biden also stated: “There’s never been a time that says you can own anything you want,” referring to cannon ownership during historical periods such as the Civil War and Revolutionary War. However, historical records indicate no restrictions on owning cannons during these times.

Katie Pavlich commented on X: “A fact check on Biden’s speech today, one I have done many times. You can own a cannon.” Her post included a photo of her leaning against a Civil War-era cannon.

In his speech, Biden also called for banning assault weapons: “It’s time once again to do what I did when I was senator. Ban assault weapons,” he said. He questioned the necessity of high-capacity magazines: “Who in God’s name needs a magazine that can hold 200 shells? Nobody.”

Critics argue that such measures would violate constitutional rights protected under the Second Amendment and point out that past bans did not reduce criminal misuse of firearms.

Biden further criticized the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act: "And by the way, this is the most important; the only industry in America that has immunity are gun dealers," he said. This statement has been contested as other industries also enjoy similar protections against frivolous lawsuits.

The ongoing debate over gun control continues to evoke strong reactions from both supporters and opponents.

Republished with permission from NSSF.

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