Obama Challenges Congress To Act To Reduce Gun Violence

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — President Obama’s anti-gun violence plan involves a combination of approaches, some of them controversial, involving guns, mental health and more police.

Some the President can implement by executive order — like requiring the Centers for Disease Control to research the causes of gun violence, and strengthening the tracing of firearms.

But his biggest proposals require action by Congress, and an uncertain political battle.

KDKA’s Jon Delano reports:

One month after the shooting deaths of 20 first graders and their teachers, President Obama laid it on the line.

“This is our first task as a society — keeping our children safe,” the President said.

With children behind him, the President signed 23 executive orders, but he said the big changes were up to Congress, calling for the universal background check on anyone buying a gun.

KDKA’s Christine D’Antonio has local reaction:

“As many as 40 percent of gun purchases are conducted without a background check. That’s not safe, that’s not smart and that’s not fair to responsible gun buyers or sellers,” President Obama said.

The President also called for a ban on military-style assault weapons and a 10-round limit for magazines.

“That’s what allowed the gunman in Aurora to shoot 70 people, 70 people, killing 12,” President Obama said.

KDKA’s Christine D’Antonio has more local reaction:

Acknowledging the gun lobby, the President asked Americans to call on members of Congress to act quickly.

And if they won’t, he said, “Ask them what’s more important, getting an A grade from the gun lobby that funds their campaigns or giving parents some peace of mind when they drop their child off for first grade.”

Of course, gun rights groups won’t view it that way.

This will be a highly emotional debate over the best way to reduce gun violence.

The President said no solution will prevent all gun deaths, but reducing the number — already at 900 gun deaths since the Connecticut tragedy a month ago — makes the effort to do something imperative.

KDKA Radio’s Mike Pintek interviews Kim Stolfer of Firearms Owners Against Crime:

Firearms Owners Against Crime