Few Lawmakers Called for Tougher Gun Laws After Trump Shooting

When James Brady, a presidential aide, was shot during the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in 1981, the moment sparked a national movement to confront gun violence.

In the 48 hours since former President Donald J. Trump was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania and a supporter in the crowd was killed, Democrats have spoken out about the plague of political violence in the United States and the need for civility and respect in American politics. But notably missing has been any concerted outcry from elected officials to implement tougher gun laws.

“We cannot — must not — go down this road in America,” President Biden said in an Oval Office address on Sunday in which he focused on a unifying message to the country, steering clear of any mention of the intractable issue of guns. “Violence has never been the answer.”

Many Democratic lawmakers, who are normally quick to respond to such tragedies by calling for stricter gun safety measures, were notably quiet on the topic. Gun safety activists said the muted reaction was disappointing.

“It’s deeply concerning that our leaders aren’t responding to this horrific act of political violence with urgent calls for prevention,” said T. Christian Heyne, the vice president for policy at the Brady: United Against Gun Violence organization.

He added: “This assassination attempt was enabled by easy access to a military-style rifle, used precisely as it was designed. Today’s muted response reflects a dangerous normalization of political violence and gun threats.”