President Obama Breaks Down As He Announces Changes To US Gun Laws

President Obama couldn't hide his emotions as he gave a press conference in front of a room full of victims of gun violence, as he announced a series of executive actions which will ensure more stringent laws around gun control in the United States.

The President was introduced to the podium by Mark Barden, the father of a 7-year-old boy who was killed in the Sandy Hook elementary shootings of 2012 which killed 20 students and six staff members.

"I still remember the first time we met and the time we spent together, the conversation we had about Daniel," said Obama, turning to Barden.

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President Obama wiping away the tears during a press conference on gun control at the White House. Photo: AP

"That changed me that day. And my hope earnestly has been that it would change the country."

The president couldn't hold back the tears as he continued, "Every time I think about those kids, it gets me mad," he said. "And by the way, it happens on the streets of Chicago every day."

The executive actions will now see all gun dealers—including those selling firearms on the internet and at gun shows—required to obtain a license and conduct background checks.

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Amy Schumer was present during the press conference. Photo: Getty Images

"Each time this comes up, we are fed the excuse that common-sense reforms like background checks might not have stopped the last massacre, or the one before that, or the one before that, so why bother trying," he said. "I reject that thinking."

"We know we can't stop every act of violence, every act of evil in the world. But maybe we could try to stop one act of evil, one act of violence," he added.

In taking this action, the POTUS has bypassed Congress and amended the Second Amendment which decrees that citizens have 'the right to bear arms'.

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However the White House have declared they are simply 'clarifying' existing laws in order to close the loophole that had previously enabled people to buy guns without submitting to a background check.

"I believe in the Second Amendment, there written on paper, that guarantees the right to bear arms," Obama said, insisting that this is "not a plot to take away everybody's guns."

"No matter how many times people try to twist my words around, I taught constitutional law. I know a little bit about this. But I also believe that we can find ways to reduce gun violence consistent with the Second Amendment."

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President Obama announces new stricter gun laws during a press conference at the White House. Photo: AP

According to the new laws, anyone who violates the new regulations will face up to five years prison time as well as up to $250,000 in fines.

The White House have also announced that they will be assigning 230 more examiners within the FBI to process background checks and help ensure individual files are up to date.

Secondary to the tighter background checks, the POTUS has also proposed to increase funding for mental health to $500 million which would include improve access to mental health care as well as the use of medical records in background checks—however this move will require approval from Congress.