Obama calls for stricter gun control laws following Oregon shooting

Barack Obama has called for a change to gun control laws in the U.S. after nine people were killed in a mass shooting at an Oregon college. Speaking at the White House in the hours after the attack, the President said “inaction” on gun control legislation makes all Americans “answerable” for the violence. He added that the nation has become “numb” to mass shootings, which have become “routine” occurrences in America.

As I said just a few months ago, and I said just a few months before that, and I said each time we see one of these mass shootings, our thoughts and prayers are not enough.

Barack Obama, speaking at the White House in the hours after the attack

Authorities have confirmed that nine people were shot dead and seven were injured by the gunman at Umpqua Community in Roseburg. The British-born 26-year-old gunman was killed during an exchange of fire with police. A visibly angry Mr Obama said the issue of gun control should be politicised in America, and called on Americans to hold politicians accountable for acting on the issue. He said he would continue to raise the need for gun control reform every time a shooting takes place in the US.

We are going to have to change our laws. This is not something I can do by myself.

Barack Obama, addressing reporters at The White House

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