U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday launched a new crime prevention strategy amid soaring gun violence across the country, focusing on illegal sale of firearms, law-breaking gun dealers and better community support.

“Crime historically rises during the summer and as we emerge from this pandemic, with the country opening back up again, the traditional summer spike may even be more pronounced than it traditionally would be,” Biden said in a speech from the White House.

“Folks, this [gun violence] shouldn’t be a red or blue issue,” Biden said. “It’s an American issue.”

The president said that cities and states can use their portions of US$350 billion in direct aid from the COVID-19 rescue plan, which was approved by Congress in March, to enhance public safety, including hiring more police officers and other law enforcement officials.

Public schools can also use their share of US$122 billion in rescue money in community violence intervention programs and other public safety strategies, Biden said.

“This is not a time to turn our backs on law enforcement or our communities,” said the president, distancing himself from progressive calls for “defunding the police.”

Under the plan, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will revoke federal licenses of gun dealers the first time they violate the federal law. Violations could include selling firearms to a prohibited buyer, failing to run required background checks and falsifying firearm transaction forms or other records.

(Xinhua)