Biden issues executive order on background checks to tighten gun control

US President visits scene of mass shooting that killed 11 in California's Monterey Park

US President Joe Biden hugs a man in Monterey Park on March 14. Reuters

US President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Tuesday that reinforced background checks for gun buyers, in what the White House is calling the most comprehensive policy he can enact without Congress.

He signed the new measures on reducing gun violence during a visit to the scene of a January shooting in Monterey Park, California, where 11 people were killed.

"I'm here on behalf of the American people to mourn with you, pray with you, let you know you're loved and not alone," Mr Biden said.

He is invoking the limited authority of the executive branch to edge the country closer to universal firearms background checks, something he has been unable to get through Congress, although it remains popular in voter surveys.

Mr Biden maintains that legislators should move to ban all sales of assault weapons in the country and pass universal background checks, moves many Republicans have resisted.

"Let's be clear, none of this absolves Congress from the responsibility of acting," he said.

"Pass universal background checks, eliminate gun manufacturers' immunity from liability and I'm determined once again to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines."

Mr Biden's order directs Attorney General Merrick Garland to identify gun sellers who are not completing background checks or may be evading them intentionally.

Gun control advocates have long raised concerns about a lack of protection with firearms sold at gun shows or by online retailers.

The order charges the Federal Trade Commission with compiling a report that examines gun makers' marketing campaigns aimed at those not old enough to buy firearms.

The order also asks cabinet members to devise an organised federal response to use in communities affected by mass shootings.

That response would include mental health care and financial assistance if, say, small businesses were forced to shut down or if families lost people who provided their income, a White House fact sheet reveals.

A senior administration official said before the order was made public on Tuesday that the federal government could do more to support families and first responders after these tragedies.

Police in Torrance, California, use armored vehicles to surround a white cargo van, believed to be connected to the Monterey Park mass shooting. Reuters

Police at the scene of the mass shooting. Ten people died and at least 10 others were wounded in the largely Asian city in southern California. AFP

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna talks to the media after the shooting. Reuters

A person lays down flowers as members of the community hold a prayer vigil near the scene of the shooting. Reuters

The Star Dance Studio in Monterey Park, California where the shooting took place. AP

Residents walk across the Lunar New Year festival site after celebrations were canceled following the mass shooting. AP

Jolie Slater, right, and Beth Paz, from Lake Avenue Church, embrace each other at a gathering held to honor the victims. AP

A young girl watches as police use armored vehicles to surround a white cargo van, believed to be connected to the Monterey Park mass shooting suspect. Reuters

Art Benitez and his son Ethan watch as police use armored vehicles to surround a white cargo van, believed by law enforcement to be connected to the Monterey Park mass shooting. Reuters

Flowers are placed near the scene of the deadly mass shooting in Monterey Park. Getty

Police stand guard near the scene of the deadly shooting. Getty

Police let investigators on to the scene of the mass shooting. AFP

Up to March 13, there have been 109 mass shootings in the US this year, according to data collected by the Gun Violence Archive. That compares to 85 by the same date last year.

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Monterey Park after the 11 people were killed by a gunman during a Lunar New Year celebration in the mainly Asian-American community. Nine were wounded.

Ms Harris called on Congress to enact “reasonable gun safety laws".

Last year, Congress passed the first nationwide gun-control legislation in 30 years, introducing measures to improve the national background-check system for buyers under 21.

It also closed the "boyfriend" loophole that allowed dating partners convicted of domestic abuse to buy guns.

Bloomberg contributed reporting