President Joe Biden is calling on lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to put a stop to "this epidemic of gun violence in America" following a mass shooting early Wednesday at the Valley Transportation Authority's light rail yard in San Jose.
The strongly-worded statement, released on Wednesday afternoon, made reference to the many mass shootings that have already taken place in America in 2021: Atlanta, Boulder, Indianapolis and Rock Hill, South Carolina.
The president has ordered all flags across the country to be immediately flown at half-staff in honor of the victims.
The order lasts until late Sunday.
"The White House continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with local officials to offer any assistance as needed," a spokesperson said earlier Wednesday.
Vice President Kamala Harris, herself a Bay Area native, told reporters the shooting was "absolutely tragic" during a broadband event earlier Wednesday. Harris was born in Oakland and said she has family living in San Jose.
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