Harris uses gunfire in Highland Park to enforce Chicago’s gun ban

Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday used the July 4th Parade killings in Highland Park to urge Congress to pass a new ban on assault weapons — during a speech to a teachers’ union just miles from the massacre.

Harris began her address by saying that “yesterday should have been a day to gather with family and friends to celebrate our nation’s independence, and instead this community suffered a violent tragedy.”

“We have to stop this violence,” she said to applause at the annual meeting of the Nation Education Association in Chicago.

“And we must protect our communities from the terror of gun violence. You know, I’ve said it before: Enough is enough.”

“Congress must have the courage to act and renew the offensive weapons ban,” she said.

“An offensive weapon is designed to kill a lot of people quickly,” she said.

Raising her voice, she added, “There is no reason we should have weapons of war on the streets of America. We need sensible gun safety laws.”

Harris — whose speech was repeatedly interrupted by cheers from the McCormick Convention Center crowd — also said Congress must “stop protecting these gun manufacturers with the liability shield.”

“Cancel! Pick it up!” she shouted.

Harris previously referred to the May 24 massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, saying, “I mean, here we are and our nation is still mourning the loss of these 19 babies and their two teachers.”

“Teachers shouldn’t have to practice barricading a classroom. Teachers shouldn’t have to know how to treat a gunshot wound,” she said.

“And teachers shouldn’t be told that lives would have been saved if only they had a gun.”

More coverage of the Highland Park parade shoot

Accused Highland Park gunman Robert “Bobby” Crimo III, 22, allegedly used a legally purchased AR-15-style rifle to fire more than 70 shots, killing seven people and about 40 others.

Two rapid-fire salvos separated by a pause were recorded in a chilling video clip that also showed onlookers fleeing the carnage in horror.