Vice President Kamala Harris visited the still-bloody and bullet-pocked classroom building in Parkland, Fla., where a gunman killed 14 students and three staff members in 2018. She used this somber setting to announce a new federal resource center and advocate for stricter enforcement of gun laws.

The building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School had been preserved as evidence for criminal trials and is scheduled to be demolished this summer. It serves as a memorial to one of the most shocking mass shootings in U.S. history.

After her tour and meeting with the families of the victims, Ms. Harris expressed how impactful the experience had been. She urged everyone to be inspired by the families’ courage and call to action.

Ms. Harris emphasized that the memory of the school will live on even after its physical structure is torn down. She called for the implementation of red-flag laws, which allow courts to seize firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.

She announced the establishment of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center to aid states in implementing red-flag laws. Ms. Harris encouraged more states to adopt these laws and utilize the resources available to them.

Ms. Harris stressed the importance of addressing gun violence in the U.S. and pushing for stricter gun control measures. Despite the passage of federal legislation in 2022, mass shootings continue to plague the country.

She vowed to advocate for universal background checks and an assault weapons ban while addressing the trauma in communities. Ms. Harris acknowledged the challenges in passing these measures due to political gridlock in Washington.

Reporters were not permitted to accompany Ms. Harris on her tour of the school building where the shooting occurred. Previous descriptions of the building depicted a grim scene of destruction and tragedy.

The school district later decided to demolish the building out of concern for the well-being of students and staff, reflecting their commitment to supporting the Marjory Stoneman Douglas community.