WILKES-BARRE — President Joe Biden discussed various important issues during his State of the Union address on Thursday night, which are expected to be debated in the 2024 campaign against his predecessor.
Biden has been strongly advocating for new gun restrictions.
During the State of the Union, Biden outlined the country's current situation and his plans for a potential second term.
As part of his agenda, Biden emphasized the importance of implementing new gun restrictions, specifically mentioning a potential ban on popular firearms like the AR-15 and other so-called “assault weapons.”
Biden stated, “I’m demanding a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines,” in his State of the Union address.
These remarks were made in response to the tragic shooting at the Chiefs’ parade in Kansas City.
Biden expressed deep sadness about the events in Kansas City and urged the nation to take action, emphasizing the need to ban assault weapons, limit high-capacity magazines, strengthen background checks, and prevent guns from ending up in the wrong hands.
“We know what we have to do, we just need the courage to do it.”
All these statements made me think about Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin, who was shot twice in the head during a gang-related shooting on Jan. 11 while on duty. Gilmartin's injuries were severe.
Biden's call for “courage” to address gun control reminded me of Det. Gilmartin's bravery.
Det. Gilmartin embodies that courage.
After weeks of treatment, Gilmartin was discharged from the rehab center where he had been recovering from the gunshot wounds. He then made a public appearance at a news conference held at Scranton Police headquarters, accompanied by his family and fellow officers.
At the news conference, Gilmartin stood at the podium with his wife, Lindsay, and his children and parents nearby.
Gilmartin shared his thoughts on the issue of gun violence:
“If I can choose one thing to come from this, it would be that I would be the last victim of senseless violence. If you are a parent, you need to be talking to your children. If information arises concerning a juvenile or irresponsible person being in possession of a firearm, it must be reported.
“Together, we can all work together and end youth gang violence. Let’s help steer our children to be positive role models.
U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announced that Det. Gilmartin would be his guest at the 2024 State of the Union Address on March 7 in Washington, D.C.
Cartwright stated that Detective Gilmartin and the other officers who saved him show the exceptional courage demonstrated by our nation’s law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect our communities.
Gilmartin expressed that he felt very honored to be able to attend the State of the Union as Cartwright’s guest.
Cartwright also stated that this is the story of the bravery, resilience, and determination of this one man, and of the kindness and compassion of the people in our area, in acknowledgment and appreciation of his service and sacrifice. Cartwright added that as Kyle was fighting for his life, many of them were communicating and visiting with him and his family, holding and participating in fundraisers for him, and praying for him, Lindsay, and their entire family.
Cartwright mentioned that due to that support, and a long list of heroic medical and rehabilitative professionals, Gilmartin survived the shooting and has made impressive progress. Cartwright said that he is proud to showcase this story to the nation by inviting Detective Gilmartin as his honored guest for this year’s State of the Union address.
Detective Gilmartin and his wife traveled to Washington, D.C. They dined with Cartwright before returning to the Capitol for Biden’s address. Detective Gilmartin sat in the House gallery, while his wife watched the speech in Cartwright’s office.
There are many connections that could have been made here:
• Biden, Cartwright, and Gilmartin are all from Scranton.
• Biden supports gun law reform.
• Gilmartin agrees, as mentioned in his speech in Scranton.
So who better to highlight during the State of the Union than Detective Kyle Gilmartin — a victim of gun violence who has defied the odds and has recovered to the point where he is now an advocate for the same reform as President Biden.
As Biden emphasized repeatedly during the State of the Union — “the world is watching.”
It would have been amazing if the world could have seen Detective Kyle Gilmartin and heard his incredible story.
WILKES-BARRE — During his State of the Union address Thursday night, President Joe Biden touched on many important points that will surely be debated during the 2024 campaign against, as he stated, "my predecessor."