The White House says that Republicans who voted against a ban on assault weapons are essentially opposing police in America.
Biden made the remarks at a conference in Orlando, Florida, speaking to attendees from the National Group of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Pres. Biden said that when Republicans claim to support law enforcement, they aren’t telling the truth because they won’t ban “weapons of war.” In particular, Biden targeted Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL), and Sen. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott (R-FL), who have refused to endorse gun control legislation pushed by Democrats.
“Being a police officer today is a lot more difficult than it’s ever been,” Biden said during his speech. “We demand a lot from you. We expect you to be drug counselors at scenes where people are overdosing; therapists for couples in violent fights; and social workers for children who have been neglected, among other things. Perhaps the most terrible part is that we ask you to go out on the streets saturated with weapons of war and perform your duty.”
“You hear many politicians say how much they adore you, how much they care about you, and how willing they are to do anything for you.” Biden declared. “Governor [Ron] DeSantis, Senator Rubio, and Sen. Scott all opposed restricting assault weapons, while Senators Scott and Rubio voted against the bi-partisan gun safety bill that I signed – the first real gun legislation in almost thirty years that you supported. To me, it’s straightforward: if you can’t support a ban on military-style weapons on American streets, then you aren’t on the police side.”
Biden acknowledged the support he received from NOBLE in his efforts to pass the 1994 assault weapons ban. “I’m committed to doing it again,” Biden said of further attempts to prohibit assault weapons. “This November, voters will decide whether or not this country prohibits assault weapons.” Biden then recited a line about how while he owns guns and believes in the Second Amendment, “the right to keep and bear arms [is] not an absolute right.”
“In terms of assault weapons, far too many politicians are bending to the NRA. I believe you should be protected, and that we should protect you.” Biden then stated his support for additional police funding. “And I’ll keep saying it: public safety is not solved by cutting police funding; the solution is to increase police funding,” he added.