Biden set to interact with relatives of North Carolina's slain law enforcement personnel.
Four officers, among them a deputy US marshal, were fatally shot on Monday as they tried to serve a warrant for a person with a prior firearm conviction. They were confronted with bullets from a "high-powered rifle" and responded with their own fire, ultimately killing the suspect, the local police chief reported.
On Monday, Biden spoke with North Carolina's Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, before releasing a statement mourning the four officers, whom he referred to as "heroes." He urged for more funding for law enforcement departments and a prohibition on assault weapons.
"We need to protect our law enforcement officers," said Biden. "This involves funding and providing them with the necessary resources for their work. And it also involves tackling the issue of gun violence. Now."
Biden also addressed Congress, insisting that they should take action. "Enough is enough."
He stated, "Congressional leaders must act. This involves banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, enforcing safe gun storage, and implementing thorough background checks and a national red flag law."
This year, the Fraternal Order of Police reports that 136 law enforcement officers have been shot while on duty. Of them, 20 have lost their lives.
During his time in Charlotte, the president will meet with officers who sustained injuries in the shooting. Afterward, he plans to head to Wilmington, North Carolina, for an event centered on infrastructure, employment, and his legislative achievements.
CNN's Devon M. Sayers, Shawn Nottingham, and Emma Tucker all collaborated on this report.
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Biden expressed his condolences to the families of the slain officers, saying, "I send my heartfelt sympathy to the families of these brave officers who gave their lives serving their community. We must do everything in our power to support them during this difficult time."
Recognizing the ongoing danger faced by law enforcement officers, Biden emphasized, "It's clear that we need to prioritize the safety and well-being of our law enforcement personnel. This includes not only providing them with the necessary resources but also addressing the root causes of gun violence in our society."
Source: edition.cnn.com
