Biden on the anniversary of the massacre in Uvalde: “Too many schools and everyday places have become fields of blood”

A memorial service for the victims of the attack was held Wednesday near Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. A year ago, an armed 18-year-old entered there and killed 19 children and two female teachers, and another 17 people were injured. It was the worst attack on American schools in nearly ten years.

The shooting spree ended after police officers, who had previously waited for more than an hour even as the children called a helpline, stormed into the classroom and shot the attacker dead. The lackluster police response sparked sharp criticism and was described as catastrophic, and an investigation was launched.

“Standing there in Uvalde, Jill and I couldn’t help but think that there are already too many schools and everyday places that become scenes of death. We heard the same message everywhere – do something, for God’s sake, please do something,” Biden said, also reading a letter from the grandmother of one of the Uvalde victims. “Erase the invisible line that has divided our nation, find a solution and fix what’s broken. Do what it takes to make sure nothing like this happens again.” she wrote.

“Too many schools, too many everyday places have become fields of blood,” Biden said. “Until Congress passes common sense gun laws that take firearms off our streets and out of the hands of dangerous people, and until the states do the same, we cannot end this epidemic,” was a clear American president.

Government data for 2020 shows that shootings were the leading cause of death for American children and teenagers. “It’s time for action. It’s time for our voices to be heard. Not as Democrats or Republicans, but as friends, neighbors, parents, fellow citizens,” was an emotional Biden.

In a separate statement, the Minister of Education Miguel Cardona said that last year’s change in gun legislation was the biggest change in this area in the last 30 years, but that much more needed to be done.