1. President Barack Obama speaking in the Oval Office
2. SOUNDBITE (English) President Barack Obama:
"Before the New Year, I mentioned that I had given the charge to my Attorney General, FBI Director, Deputy Director at the ATF, and personnel in my White House to work together to see what more we could do to prevent the scourge of gun violence in this country."
3. Cutaway of media
4. Cutaway of Attorney General Loretta Lynch
5. SOUNDBITE (English) President Barack Obama:
"And, I have just received back a report from Attorney General Lynch, Director Comey (FBI Director James Comey), as well as (ATF) Deputy Director Brandon about some of the ideas and initiatives that they think can make a difference. And the good news is that these are not only recommendations that are well within my legal authority and the executive branch, but they are also ones that the overwhelming majority of the American people, including gun owners, support and believe in. So, over the next several days, we'll be rolling out these initiatives. We'll be making sure that people have a very clear understanding about what can make a difference and what we can do. And, although we have to be very clear that this is not going to solve every violent crime in this country. It's not going to prevent every mass shooting. It's not going to keep every gun out of the hands of a criminal. It will potentially save lives in this country, and spare families the pain and the extraordinary loss that they've suffered as a consequence of a firearm being in the hands of the wrong people. I'm also confident that the recommendations that are being made by my team here are ones that are entirely consistent with the second amendment and people's lawful right to bear arms."
President Barack Obama says his administration's recommendations for gun control executive actions are within his legal authority and consistent with the Second Amendment.
Obama was speaking in the Oval Office following a meeting with Attorney General Loretta Lynch, FBI Director James Comey and other top law enforcement officials.
The officials presented the president with options for gun control measures he can take without congressional approval.
The president did not specify what actions he planned to take. The steps are expected to include expanding background checks on gun sales by forcing more sellers to register as federally licensed gun dealers.
The president says the measures won't solve every violent crime in the US, but would potentially "save lives and spare families the pain."
