House Speaker Mike Johnson's Inadequate Response to Maine Shooting Sparks Controversy
Republicans, including newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson, responded to the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine with prayers, while failing to take any action on gun control. Johnson recently met with a pro-gun group to discuss safeguarding Second Amendment rights, prioritizing gun rights over public safety. President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass commonsense gun laws, including a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Author Stephen King criticized the lack of action and urged people to stop electing "apologists for murder." A majority of Americans, including half of Republicans, support stricter gun laws. While mental health is important, it should not be used as an excuse to avoid addressing access to firearms and high-capacity magazines. Prayers are not enough; action is needed to stop gun violence.