Marking a somber quarter-century since the Columbine massacre, President Joe Biden reflected on the tragic day that left 13 dead and the enduring impact of gun violence in America. "Jill and I continue to pray for the survivors and families impacted by this traumatic event, as well as a community that was forever changed. We know that pain never goes away," Biden said in a statement from the White House. He recounted the harrowing fact that since then, over 400 school shootings have exposed more than 370,000 students to gun violence.

In his remarks, Biden pointed out the clear and present danger that firearms represent in schools across the nation, with students having to quickly learn how to protect themselves from shootings. Despite government efforts, the president stressed the need for Congress to aggressively to pursue additional measures. He stated, "We need universal background checks, a national red flag law, and we must ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines."

The Biden administration has taken steps to address the issue, including the formation of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the signing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Furthermore, Biden highlighted recent advancements, stating, "Last week, my Administration implemented the largest expansion of the gun background check requirement since 1993, addressing the loophole that allowed the Columbine shooters to obtain guns."

While these actions are seen as progress by the administration, Biden urged Congress for more stringent reforms to curb the gun violence epidemic. "We need Congress to do something—do something—so that communities won’t continue to suffer due to the epidemic of gun violence," he declared, reinforcing his commitment that his administration will persist in taking action on this front.