Dad of Parkland shooting victim interrupts Biden’s speech on gun reform (includes video story)

Manuel Oliver, father of Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver, interrupted President Biden Monday while the president commemorated the passing of the bipartisan “Safer Communities Act” to prevent gun violence.

Oliver has not been silent on the subject of the country’s gun laws. In February, he climbed a 150-foot-tall crane in front of the White House demanding tighter gun restrictions. 

In the disruption on Monday, Oliver called on the president to establish a national office for gun violence prevention. He also singled out the commander-in-chief for saying this event is a celebration of gun reform and says that more needs to be done.

“I really wish there was more in this package of bills,” said Oliver in a CNN interview before the event “and I will do whatever I can to get more in this package of bills. This is not the beginning nor the end. A lot of people are saying this is the beginning. No, this is part of a process.”

The new bill regarding federal gun safety laws contains measures to assist states in keeping firearms out of the hands of those who are a risk to themselves or others. It also stops gun sales to those convicted of assaulting unmarried intimate partners and restricts gun sales to people convicted of domestic violence. However, for many people like Oliver, the laws are insufficient to ensure gun safety.

Layan Abu Tarboush is a digital broadcasting major at FIU, currently pursuing a minor in International Relations. As an international student from Jordan, Layan is fluent in both Arabic and English and has a deep interest in reporting on Middle Eastern affairs. Layan takes pride in being multicultural with great exposure from the East and West.