FBI conducts record background checks amid mass shootings, gun reform push

The FBI carried out a record number of background checks on individuals purchasing firearms last month as multiple mass shootings gained the nation’s attention and sparked a conversation on America’s gun policies.

The FBI says nearly 4.7 million Americans underwent background checks in connection with purchasing guns in March, CNN reported. That number was up almost 36 percent from February.

While CNN noted that background checks do not necessarily correlate directly to firearms sold, they do indicate that the volume of purchases has increased.

Large quantities of guns were sold following March’s deadly shootings in Atlanta and Boulder, Colo, according to CNN. During that time, House Democrats passed two gun control bills that could expand background check requirements for all gun transfers and purchases, which have garnered pushback from many Republicans.

The measures face a much steeper path in the 50-50 Senate.

President Biden last week called on Congress to ban high-capacity magazines and assault weapons as well as expand background checks for firearm sales.

“We can ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in this country once again. I got that done when I was a senator. … We should do it again,” he said.