Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Parkland, Florida on Saturday to push for the increased implementation of red flag laws. This comes as she plans to pay tribute to the victims of the devastating 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, one of the deadliest in US history.

During her visit, Harris will walk alongside the family members of the 17 individuals who lost their lives in the tragic shooting. The school building, where the incident occurred, is scheduled for demolition later this summer.

As the head of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, Harris will announce a new initiative aimed at encouraging states to make greater use of red flag laws. These laws allow temporary firearms removal from individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others. Currently, 21 states, including Florida, as well as the District of Columbia, have implemented red flag laws.

Harris's announcement will introduce a resource center that will provide training and technical assistance to states, local governments, law enforcement, and healthcare providers in utilizing these laws effectively. Additionally, she will urge states to utilize the funding provided in the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to raise awareness about red flag laws and offer training to court staff and first responders. Currently, only six states have accessed this funding.

This initiative from the White House signals a renewed effort to address gun violence and protect communities across the nation. Harris's visit to Parkland aims to recognize the devastating impact of the 2018 shooting while reinforcing the importance of proactive measures such as red flag laws.

The Vice President's role as a leading advocate for key Democratic voting groups, including young voters, women, and voters of color, aligns with the significance of tackling gun violence, which is a crucial issue for these demographics.

The visit to Parkland and the subsequent announcement of the new initiative further emphasizes the Biden administration's commitment to enacting effective gun violence prevention measures and creating safer communities. Harris's visit will be a poignant reminder of the tragedy that occurred in Parkland and a call to action for increased gun safety measures nationwide.