Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
A year after a mass shooting took 12 lives at the Washington Navy Yard, President Obama on Tuesday renewed his call for new gun control laws.
"One year ago, 12 Americans went to work to protect and strengthen the country they loved," Obama said in a written statement. "Today, we must do the same -- rejecting atrocities like these as the new normal and renewing our call for common-sense reforms that respect our traditions while reducing the gun violence that shatters too many American families every day."
Proposals from the Obama administration have included expanded background checks, a re
vival of the assault weapons ban, and restrictions on the sizes of gun magazines.
Congress has blocked these proposals, amid protests from Republicans and others that the administration's plans threaten Second Amendment gun rights.
The attack at the Navy Yard on Sept. 16, 2013, was the latest in a string of mass killings in the United States.
"One year ago, our dedicated military and civilian personnel at the Washington Navy Yard were targeted in an unspeakable act of violence that took the lives of 12 American patriots," Obama said in his statement. "As we remember men and women taken from us so senselessly, we keep close their family and friends, stand with the survivors who continue to heal and pay tribute to the first responders who acted with skill and bravery."
He added: "At the same time, we continue to improve security at our country's bases and installations to protect our military and civilian personnel who help keep us safe."