President Joe Biden has appealed for sweeping measures to address gun violence in the United States. 

In a speech addressing the nation on recent mass shooting tragedies in Texas and Oklahoma, Mr Biden called on Congress to pass ‘commonsense’ laws.

He called for a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, as well as strengthened background checks, and safe storage and red flag laws.

Mr Biden said if an assault weapon ban was not possible, the minimum age for purchase should be raised from 18 to 21.

“I want to be very clear: this is not about taking away anyone’s guns,” he said. “It’s not about vilifying gun owners.

“In fact, we believe we should be treating responsible gun owners as an example of how every gun owner should behave.”

Press PLAY below to hear President Biden’s address in full 

Tonight, I’m addressing the nation on the recent tragic mass shootings, and the need for Congress to pass commonsense laws to combat the epidemic of gun violence. https://t.co/qkMEGKhsqH

— President Biden (@POTUS) June 2, 2022

Image: President Biden / Twitter