'It has to end': Biden targets illegal gun sales, rogue dealers in strategy to combat rising crime

• Biden announced a "zero-tolerance policy" for rogue gun dealers.
• The president encouraged states to use Covid-19 relief funding on public safety efforts.
• Republicans blame a rise in crime on calls to "defund the police" from activists.

WASHINGTON –  President Joe Biden launched a new crime prevention strategy Wednesday in a push to take on soaring gun violence as Republicans blame a rise in crime on calls from progressive activists to cut police funding. 

In a speech from the White House, Biden announced a "zero-tolerance policy" for rogue gun dealers and a new focus by the Justice Department to try to stop the illegal sale of firearms.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide