Carrying weapons has become part of the identity in the United States. A country where a constitutional amendment from 1791 gives every citizen the right to bear arms. Legislation defended by the US gun lobby and Republicans.
In the US Senate, the day after the Uvalde School in Texas, Democratic Senator Christoffer Murphy is noticeably emotional.
– What are we doing? There have been more mass shootings than we have days of the year. Why do you make an effort to get this job, this position of power, if your answer when the killing increases is to do nothing ?, he says.
The solution: More weapons
Following the massacre of elementary schoolers in Uvalde, Texas, the Democrats have once again raised the issue of stricter legislation on arms purchases. But there is not much to suggest that Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans should change their minds.
“You see Democrats and many in the media whose immediate solution is to try to limit the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens,” said Ted Cruz.
Some of the Republican proposals on the table are instead about stricter security in schools with, among other things, more armed guards, metal detectors – and even armed teachers.
Law change less likely
From the other political point of view, the proposals are based on limiting the right and the possibility to bear arms. But there are some obstacles, according to SVT’s US correspondent Stefan Åsberg.
– There is no majority in the Senate to change this legislation, it would be a major intervention because it is protected by the constitution. Joe Biden does not have that majority with him.