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In an Independence Day speech overwhelmed by a mass shooting at a holiday parade in a Chicago suburb, US President Joe Biden sought to strike an optimistic note of unity. Addressing a July 4 barbecue for service members at the White House, Biden expressed confidence in America’s ability to overcome what he called “unsettling” times. “The economy is expanding, but not without difficulty. Liberty is under attack, both at home and abroad “Biden stated.
“In recent days, there has been cause to suppose that this country is regressing, that freedom has been reduced, and that rights that we assumed were shielded are no longer protected.”
Biden was referring to a string of Supreme Court decisions that overturned the 50-year-old governmental right to abortion, expanded gun rights for those who want to carry them in general populace, and limited the government’s ability to combat climate change.
“I know it can be emotionally draining and unsettling, but I want you to know tonight that we’re heading to get through this,” he added.
Biden made only a passing mention to the morning shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, in which a shooter opened fire on a parade with a high-powered rifle, killing six people and injuring two dozen more.
In an earlier statement, he denounced the “senseless” act of violence and vowed to continue fighting what he called America’s “gun violence epidemic.”
According to the Gun Crime Archive, an advocacy group, the country has seen at least 309 mass shootings this year.
