In Wake Of Newtown Shooting, Obama Announces Commission To Address Gun Violence

“This time the words need to lead to action.”

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that Vice President Joe Biden will lead a commission drawing up recommendations to address incidents of gun violence.

Noting that the shooting in Newtown last week was the fourth and most deadly mass shooting he has responded to, Obama said each time there is a discussion about the causes, but “this time the words need to lead to action.”

“I will use all the powers of this office to help advance efforts aimed at preventing more tragedies like this,” Obama said.

Obama said the commission will report its findings to him by January, adding that once he has its recommendations “I intend to push [them] without delay.”

Obama said the task is not just to deal with mass shootings, but also everyday gun violence, listing a half-dozen fatal shootings since the Newtown school shooting.

“It won’t be easy, but that can’t be an excuse not to try,” he said.

Obama pointed to polling showing a majority of Americans support the assault weapons ban, banning high capacity magazines, and closing the gun-show background check loophole.

“It will take commitment, compromise, and most important it will take courage.”

A man hangs an angel atop a Christmas tree in a growing makeshift memorial for the victims of the December 14 shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Sandy Hook village in Newtown. Image by Mike Segar / Reuters