WASHINGTON – Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on Friday that more than 500 gun purchases have been blocked since a new gun law requiring stricter background checks for young people went into effect in 2022. This announcement came just one day after a school shooting in Iowa resulted in the death of a sixth-grader.
The bipartisan law, passed in June 2022, requires extra checks for any gun purchases by people under age 21. Those denied a gun purchase include individuals convicted of serious crimes, suspects in violent cases, and those who have been involuntarily committed for mental-health treatment, according to the Justice Department.
President Biden praised the news, calling it an important milestone and stating that the legislation is saving lives. Additionally, he called for additional measures such as universal background checks and a ban on firearms often referred to as assault weapons. The President expressed his commitment to combatting gun violence and implementing further measures to address the issue.
The 2022 law was enacted in response to a series of mass shootings, including the tragic massacre at a Texas elementary school. This legislation also includes measures to prevent firearms from reaching domestic violence offenders and to aid states in implementing red flag laws that allow authorities to confiscate weapons from individuals deemed dangerous. The new law mandates extra checks with state and local officials for young buyers, along with the FBI databases typically searched before someone is approved to buy a gun, and has already prevented 527 guns from being sold.
In the wake of another tragic school shooting, Attorney General Garland emphasized the need to continue efforts to combat gun violence, despite overall declines in homicides in many U.S. cities. “We have so much more to do,” he concluded.
In summary, the new gun law implemented in 2022 has led to over 500 blocked gun purchases, demonstrating the impact of stricter background checks for young people. The law was a response to a series of mass shootings and includes measures to prevent firearms from reaching individuals who pose a danger to society. Despite the progress, efforts to combat gun violence continue as further actions are needed to address the issue comprehensively.