WH spokesperson: Biden grieving, says more needs to be done
President Joe Biden in grieving the loss of life in Maine and is praying for the injured, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told MSNBC.
Kirby urged Congress to do more to ban semi-automatic rifles, which he called weapons of war allowed on the streets, and said that Biden's recent legislation, the Safer Communities Act, was a start -- but not enough.
The Safer Communities Act included incentives for states to pass red flag laws, closed the so-called boyfriend loophole and created an enhanced background check process for people under 21 who are looking to buy firearms from licensed dealers. Biden himself, while signing the bill, said it wasn't everything he wanted but was a start.
Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the Maine victims.
White House response to latest mass shooting in Maine
Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement, "I am heartbroken for those who have lost loved ones, for those who have been injured, and for the entire Lewiston community."
"The FBI, ATF, and U.S. Marshals are on the ground to provide investigative support and victims assistance services to our law enforcement partners in Maine," he said. "No community should have to endure the horrific mass shootings that have become routine in our country."