Obama pledges action on gun violence
- 12 years ago
U.S. President Barack Obama pledges to reduce gun violence, following the shooting at a movie theatre in Colorado.
During a speech to the National Urban League, Obama said all political leaders should find consensus on the issue.
But he emphasised his support for the Second Amendment - which covers the right to bear arms.
SOUNDBITE: U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING (English):
"I think we recognize the traditions of gun ownership that passed on from generation to generation, that hunting and shooting are part of a cherished national heritage. But I also believe that a lot of gun owners would agree that AK-47s belong in the hands of soldiers, not in the hands of criminals. That they belong on the battlefield of war, not on the streets of our cities. I believe the majority of gun owners would agree that we should do everything possible to prevent criminals and fugitives from purchasing weapons. "
Obama has avoided making proposals that could alienate gun owners and rally opponents in an election year.
But the issue has been highlighted by the Colorado shooting, which left 12 people dead.
On Wednesday (July 25), the first funeral was held for one of the victims.
Family, friends and officials gathered to remember 51-year-old Gordon Cowden - the oldest victim to be gunned down.
His cousin Molly Shaw said he had taken his two teenage daughters to the movie theatre.
SOUNDBITE: MOLLY SHAW, VICTIM'S COUSIN SAYING (English):
"The girls told us that as they were leaving the theatre that he was yelling after them, 'I love you. I love you both'."
Suspect James Holmes is expected to be charged on Monday (July 30).
Sarah Charlton, Reuters.
During a speech to the National Urban League, Obama said all political leaders should find consensus on the issue.
But he emphasised his support for the Second Amendment - which covers the right to bear arms.
SOUNDBITE: U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING (English):
"I think we recognize the traditions of gun ownership that passed on from generation to generation, that hunting and shooting are part of a cherished national heritage. But I also believe that a lot of gun owners would agree that AK-47s belong in the hands of soldiers, not in the hands of criminals. That they belong on the battlefield of war, not on the streets of our cities. I believe the majority of gun owners would agree that we should do everything possible to prevent criminals and fugitives from purchasing weapons. "
Obama has avoided making proposals that could alienate gun owners and rally opponents in an election year.
But the issue has been highlighted by the Colorado shooting, which left 12 people dead.
On Wednesday (July 25), the first funeral was held for one of the victims.
Family, friends and officials gathered to remember 51-year-old Gordon Cowden - the oldest victim to be gunned down.
His cousin Molly Shaw said he had taken his two teenage daughters to the movie theatre.
SOUNDBITE: MOLLY SHAW, VICTIM'S COUSIN SAYING (English):
"The girls told us that as they were leaving the theatre that he was yelling after them, 'I love you. I love you both'."
Suspect James Holmes is expected to be charged on Monday (July 30).
Sarah Charlton, Reuters.