Vice President Kamala Harris is slated to tackle the thorny issue of gun violence with a planned visit to Parkland, officials say, in a move that brings her to the heart of one of the nation's most tragic shootings. As reported by CBS News Miami, the VP's trip on March 23 is expected to focus on conversations with those who suffered personal losses during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre.
Set against the backdrop of national grief, Having witnessed the horror of the 2018 event firsthand, families will engage with Harris at the site where 14 students and three staff members were claimed by senseless violence. The administration aims to highlight strides taken under the Biden-Harris mandate to combat such tragedies, the White House announced Monday.
Highlighting the administration's commitment, Harris will shine a light on the historic gun safety measures that have been enacted, as well as forecast the continued efforts needed to reduce gun violence. In her role, Harris is leading the newly established White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, according to a statement from CBS12.
The visit is not just ceremonial. "President Biden (Joe) and Vice President Harris fought to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety law in nearly 30 years. Under this law, the Biden-Harris Administration is making the largest investment in student mental health in history by hiring 14,000 mental health counselors, implementing red flag laws, and strengthening background checks for purchasers under the age of 21 and individuals convicted of domestic abuse," the White House statement detailed, outlining the firm steps taken towards a recalibration of national gun policy, as repoted by CBS News Miami. Despite the clear skies predicted for the day of her visit, Harris intends to address an issue that clouds many American communities: rampant gun violence.
