Both the Democrats and the Biden administration harp on the importance of passing stricter gun laws around the country. They often criticize those who support the second amendment and the National Rifle Association. But while the Democrats present themselves as being hard against gun violence, many of the strongholds around the United States prove to be the exact opposite. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom announced $156 million in grants for gun violence prevention, but sadly, the violence continues. On Wednesday, six people were wounded when gunfire erupted at a school in Eastmont Hills in Oakland. 

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According to Libby Schaaf, who is the Mayor of Oakland, the shooting took place at the Sojourner Truth Independent Study, which serves as an alternative school that is a short distance from three other schools. All the victims who were shot were adults, and three are currently considered to be in critical condition as they are being treated at the Highland Hospital.

Not many officials were willing to give details surrounding the shooting as Alameda County Sheriff spokesperson Lt. Ray Kelly only stated the shooting was not active. Oakland Police Capt. Casey Johnson only confirmed six people were shot. And City Council Member Loren Taylor admitted, “Guns were on our school campuses where our babies were supposed to be protected.” 

As for what Governor Gavin Newsom had to say, the Twitter account for the Office of the Governor of California wrote, “Today’s shooting at an Oakland school was a horrifying act of violence that has grown too familiar. Yet again, our kids were in the crossfire. This cannot continue — gun violence has taken too much from our communities.”

Although the Governor’s office criticized gun violence, their efforts to stop it have been lackluster. And again, the office of the Governor wrote, “Last month, Governor Newsom announced a record $156 million in gun violence prevention grants provided as part of the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program (CalVIP). The funding will support 79 cities and nonprofit organizations that are implementing anti-violence programs suited to the unique needs of their communities.”

At the time, Governor Gavin Newsom said, “California has the toughest gun safety laws in the nation, but none of us can afford to be complacent in tackling the gun violence crisis ravaging our country. These new measures will help keep children safe at school, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and responsibly regulate the sale of firearms in our communities. California will continue to lead on lifesaving policies that provide a model for action by other states and the nation.”

Users online called for Newsom to do better, writing, “This is an absolute tragedy. California has some of the strictest gun laws in the county. It’s not the fault of guns, it’s the fault of dangerous criminals who are allowed to roam the streets. Do better, Gavin Newsom.”