Would the new gun law have prevented the Highland Park shooting? It’s doubtful
NBCOct 19, 2022
The Facts
Another July 4 mass shooting was reportedly thwarted in Richmond, VA, according to local police officials, thanks to a tipster who allegedly overheard plans for an attack on holiday activities at the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater.
Two suspects were arrested on Fri. and Tues. Police visited a home after the tip and recovered two assault rifles, a handgun, and 223 rounds of ammunition. According to investigators, both men intended to commit a mass shooting at the celebration, but their motive is currently unclear.
The Spin
Republican narrative
The actions of a hero citizen, police, and the FBI stopped another July 4 tragedy. We must now explore why and how these men were in the US illegally. Biden admin. policies have stripped Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of powers to question, arrest, detain, and expel illegal aliens. Details are emerging, but it looks like irresponsible and ineffective immigration enforcement policies could have been to blame.
Democratic narrative
Republicans are once again distracting from the gun issue with an attack on immigrants. As has been proven through several studies, immigrants, both documented and undocumented, are actually less likely to commit violent crimes than native-born US citizens. The GOP should support laws that make it harder for criminals to obtain weapons instead of deflecting blame.
