Biden condemns gun violence in Indianapolis

President Biden on Friday condemned gun violence in Indianapolis, Ind., following the shooting at a FedEx facility that killed eight people. 

In a statement released by the White House at around noon Friday, the president characterized gun violence as an epidemic in the country that Americans should not accept. 

“Gun violence is an epidemic in America. But we should not accept it. We must act,” he said. 

“Too many Americans are dying every single day from gun violence. It stains our character and pierces the very soul of our nation,” the president added. “We can, and must, do more to act and to save lives.”

The statement from the president comes one week after he announced executive actions to prevent gun violence at the White House with families of gun violence victims. The measures would tighten restrictions on so-called ghost guns. 

In past month, the country has been hit with a spate of gun violence, including the mass shootings that occurred in Atlanta; Boulder, Colo.; and Rock Hill, S.C.

The violence has resulted in pressure from Democrats on the president to act unilaterally on gun control, and the events have reignited a debate among Washington lawmakers surrounding gun legislation as well.

In his statement on Friday, the president called on Congress to pass gun control prevention legislation that would include provisions like universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons.

He added that these shootings take an enormous toll on the families of those involved. 

“Last night and into the morning in Indianapolis, yet again families had to wait to hear word about the fate of their loved ones. What a cruel wait and fate that has become too normal and happens every day somewhere in our nation,” Biden said.

Biden said that he and Vice President Harris have been briefed by the homeland security team on the shooting. 

Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooter, who killed himself at the scene. 

Harris on Friday told reporters, “There is no question that this violence must end and we are thinking of the families that lost their loved ones.”

Biden has ordered the flags lowered to half-staff at the White House, as well as public buildings, military posts and embassies. 

Friday marks the 14-year anniversary of the deadly mass shooting at Virginia Tech.

–Updated 12:57 p.m.