President Obama In Tears As He Announces Gun Measures

An emotional President Barack Obama wiped away tears while delivering a statement on steps his administration is taking to reducing the series of gun violence the country has witnessed in recent years.

Mr. Obama wiped tears from his cheeks as he spoke emotionally about those killed by firearms in the US.

Mr. Obama, who has made intensification of gun laws a central focus heading into his final year in office, accused the gun lobby of holding Congress hostage, but said "they cannot hold America hostage."

"We can find ways to reduce gun violence consistent with the Second Amendment," Mr. Obama said in reference to Americans' constitutional right to bear arms.

"So all of us need to demand that Congress be brave enough to stand up to the gun lobby's lies."

He announced four initiatives on Tuesday that he said will help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.

Among them are requirements for more gun sellers to obtain licenses and more gun buyers to undergo background checks.

"We've created a system in which dangerous people are allowed to play by a different set of rules," he said.

"A violent felon can buy the exact same weapon over the internet with no background check, no questions asked."