Obama Signals He’ll Try Gun Control In Second Term

In response to horrific gun violence in Conn., president pledges more action

President Barack Obama on Sunday made a promise to the nation and to the mourning residents of Newtown, Conn., which last Friday witnessed the mass murder of 20 schoolchildren and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School. “In the coming weeks, I will use whatever power this office holds to engage my fellow citizens -- from law enforcement to mental health professionals to parents and educators -- in an effort aimed at preventing more tragedies like this,” Obama said in remarks during a prayer vigil. Although he offered few specifics and did not utter the words gun control, Obama is already facing pressure from within the Democratic Party to prioritize changes to gun control laws and safety measures. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California said Sunday that she would introduce legislation next year to reinstitute the ban on new assault weapons, a federal law that expired in 2004. Her legislation will also include bans on big clips, drums and strips of more than 10 bullets. During his re-election campaign, the president mentioned the assault weapons ban, but did not say how seriously he would take up new measures. (Associated Press)

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