Biden repeats call for assault weapons ban after Nashville shooting

“We have to do more to stop gun violence. It is destroying our communities,” the president said from the White House. “Rending the very soul of the nation. And we need to do more to protect our schools from becoming prisons.”

“I call on Congress, again, to pass my assault weapons ban,” he continued.

The shooter was armed with two “assault-style” rifles and a handgun as he carried out the attack at The Covenant School, a private Christian school, authorities said. Police killed the shooter, identified as a 28-year-old woman, at the scene, authorities said.

“It’s heartbreaking, a family’s worst nightmare, and I want to congratulate the police who responded incredibly quickly in a matter of minutes and put an end to the danger,” Biden said.

The president has routinely called for a ban on so-called assault weapons. He made a similar plea after a string of shootings in california earlier this year that left 18 dead and 10 injured.

“It’s just common sense,” Biden said in a speech earlier this month after signing a executive order that would improve enforcement of existing laws designed to prevent mass shootings.

Biden has limited ability to do more without congressional action, and lawmakers have resisted his proposal to enact universal background checks for gun sales, ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and repeal the law. immunity from liability for arms manufacturers.