President Joe Biden signed an executive order increasing the number of background checks as a way to further control firearms sales.
As the president explained in his speech from Monterey Park, California, the order he signed takes all "possible legal steps" to move closer to universal background checks without requiring new legislation.
It also stated that it will promote the secure storage of firearms and will expand public awareness campaigns about "red flag" orders. The purpose of these programs is to temporarily take away weapons from people who engage in potentially violent or suicidal behaviors. This is a controversial measure, as many consider that it denies people their constitutional rights by confiscating their property without having committed a crime.
While the order does not change the country's policies, it requires federal agencies to strengthen existing procedures through enhanced reporting of ballistics data, analysis of gun manufacturers and dealers.
I announced an executive order on gun violence to intensify our work to save lives. It will keep firearms out of dangerous hands, takes every lawful action to move as close to universal background checks without new legislation, expands awareness about red flag laws, and more.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) March 14, 2023
"The executive order ramps up our efforts to hold the gun industry accountable (...) It does that by calling out for an independent government study that analyzes and exposes how gun manufacturers aggressively market firearms to civilians, especially minors, including by using military imagery," he said during his speech.
According to Biden, with the signing of this new measure the attorney general will be required to publicly disclose "alcohol, tobacco and firearms inspection" reports of gun dealers who were cited for violating the law. All of this, with the intention of "reinforcing the laws". The President also took the opportunity to reiterate his intention to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
