White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Comments On Takeoff’s Fatal Shooting
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre weighed in Tuesday (Nov. 1) on the fatal shooting of Migos rapper Takeoff and the rash of other shootings in recent days, underscoring that the president is committed to stemming gun violence.
“Enough is enough,” Jean-Pierre stated. “Gun violence in this country is an epidemic that will not end with thoughts and prayers alone.”
She said several shooting incidents over the past day and a half have left families “scarred by the devastating impacts of gun violence in America.” In addition to Takeoff’s death, she pointed to a shooter in Newark, N.J. targeting police officers from a rooftop, a drive-by shooting in Chicago that injured 14 people, including three children, and a teenager fatally shot at a Halloween party in Kansas City, Kan.
“These are only the shootings that made national headlines,” Jean-Pierre added. “In other cases, we may not know the names of the victims but we equally mourn with their families and communities. Our deepest condolences are with the families of each and every one of the victims.”
Takeoff, whose real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was fatally shot in the early hours of Nov. 1 outside a Houston bowling alley, the Houston Police Department said, according to The New York Times. The shooting occurred after a private party ended. An argument led to gunfire from at least two weapons while a large group of about 40 people gathered near the front door.
Takeoff, 28, was found dead at the scene, CNN reported. A man, 23, and woman, 24, suffered nonlife-threatening injuries in the shooting.
“We have no reason to believe that he was involved in anything criminal at the time,” Houston police Chief Troy Finner said, referring to Takeoff.
RELATED: Migos Rapper Takeoff Dead at 28
“President Biden will continue to do everything in his power to reduce gun violence, including by calling on Congress to increase community violence intervention funding, ensure universal background checks, and send legislation to his desk banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines,” Jean-Pierre stated. “It’s past time we turn our pain into purpose.”
