Biden to launch national effort to fight gun violence and violent crime

President Biden is poised to announce a series of federal actions to combat gun violence and violent crime in a speech on Wednesday, according to senior administration officials. The speech comes amid national anxiety over rising violent crime rates in many cities during the pandemic.

The White House said the strategy will use money from the American Rescue Plan to give state and local governments funding for police, as well as resources and training.  The administration wants to hold what it calls rogue firearms dealers accountable for violating federal laws; invest in community violence intervention programs; expand employment opportunities for teens and young adults; and help those who have been in prison reenter their communities successfully.