Response to Biden’s Violence Reduction Statement: Until Gun Culture Shifts, We'll Continue To Be Divided By The Politics of Guns

July 29, 2024

Guns Down America applauds the violent crime reduction but says there’s still more to be done

WASHINGTON — Today, in response to the White House announcement of a record decrease in violent crime in 2024, Guns Down America Executive Director Hudson Munoz, released the following statement:

"We praise the administration’s actions to reduce gun violence through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act as well as ongoing efforts to call for Congress to ban assault weapons and keep guns out of dangerous hands. We wholeheartedly agree that 'every American deserves the freedom to feel safe in their community.' We should be encouraged, but not complacent —to create lasting freedom and safety, we must address the root causes of violence, including the pervasive gun culture in America. The long-term answer means undoing the chokehold the gun industry has on our country, culture and communities. Until we change the culture of guns, built by gun profiteers over decades, we'll continue to be divided by their violent politicization, a business strategy the gun industry revels in every four years. This is a culture characterized by repression and polarization, and linked to a rising tide of authoritarianism that threatens our democracy. While we take pride in the administration’s role in reducing gun violence, there's still more to be done, as President Biden points out. It will not only take the effort of our leaders, but each of us as consumers and community members to reject guns and turn the tide of gun violence in America for good.”