Barack Obama to act on gun violence

US president Barack Obama said yesterday he would meet with US attorney general Loretta Lynch on Monday to discuss ways of reducing gun violence amid reports he intends to take executive action on the issue.

Obama, in his weekly recorded address, said he has received “too many letters from parents, and teachers, and kids, to sit around and do nothing”.

He has repeatedly urged Congress to tighten gun laws, with his calls growing louder following the 2012 massacre at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, and again this autumn after mass shootings in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and San Bernardino, California.

“A few months ago, I directed my team at the White House to look into any new actions I can take to help reduce gun violence,” said Obama. “And on Monday, I’ll meet with our attorney general, Loretta Lynch, to discuss our options.”

The Washington Post, citing several people briefed on the matter, said Obama and Lynch would “finalise a set of executive actions on guns that he will unveil next week.” Frustrated with little action from Congress, Obama has vowed to use “whatever power this office holds” to put in place gun control measures through executive action, which does not require congressional approval.

“We know that we can’t stop every act of violence,” Obama said. “But what if we tried to stop even one? What if Congress did something — anything — to protect our kids from gun violence?”

The Washington Post said Obama would use his executive authority in several areas, including expanding background-check requirements for buyers.

Reuters