U.S. President Barack Obama has unveiled his gun control agenda with a set of controversial proposals expected to start a political fight with pro-gun groups and their supporters.
Mr. Obama announced the proposals Wednesday at the White House, joined by relatives of some of the 26 victims of the December 14 school shooting in Connecticut. He has called that day the worst of his presidency, and has warned that congressional action on gun control will resonate with future generations.
The proposals include banning assault-style weapons, universal background checks for gun sales, and boosting mental health services. The president also signed 23 executive orders to help give law enforcement and mental health professionals more tools in combating gun violence.
But he faces stiff opposition from conservative lawmakers and the nation's largest gun lobby, the National Rifle Association.