President Barack Obama gave a speech Monday in Minnesota as part of ongoing efforts to earn support for gun control and mental health measures in response to December's shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
Prior to the speech, Obama met with local leaders and law enforcement officials at the Minneapolis Police Department Special Operations Center. He plans to deliver his public remarks on gun violence at 2:30 p.m. ET.
"Minneapolis is a city that has taken important steps to reduce gun violence and foster a conversation in the community about what further action is needed," the White House explained in a release announcing the president's trip.
A politically competitive state, Minnesota is home to many gun-rights advocates. But gun control discussions have increased there since a Sept. 27 mass shooting at Accent Signage Systems in Minneapolis, which resulted in six dead.
The president on Jan. 16 unveiled a sweeping package of proposals designed to combat gun violence. Members of Congress have since introduced some of those proposals as legislation, such as bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazine clips. In the meantime, the White House has continued a general public relations campaign and listening sessions on the issue.
The president and Vice President Joe Biden, whom Obama chose to head up his gun task force, have also been publicly advocating universal background checks, mental health services and screenings, and other measures, and are waiting to see how legislation plays out in Congress.
Gun control measures face stiff opposition from the gun lobby, headed up by the National Rifle Association, as well as from select gun rights advocates in Congress.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-press-gun-measures-minnesota-164359952--politics.html
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