biden joins Connecticut gov. in urging stricter gun laws
Vice President Joe Biden took the White House's push for stricter gun laws to Connecticut on Thursday, delivering a forceful and often emotional appeal for stronger measures only miles from the elementary school where a gunman killed 26 people, including children.
He was joined in Danbury by Gov. Dannel Malloy, who used the forum to propose stringent gun laws aimed at closing loopholes and outlawing the type of weapon used at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
"Two months ago, our state became the center of a national debate after a tragedy we never imagined could happen here," Malloy said. "We have changed. And I believe it is now time for our laws to do the same."
Many local, state and federal officials who spoke at the conference at Western Connecticut State University underscored their appeals for tougher gun laws with stories about personal loss.
Malloy said he wanted the Legislature to pass a bill that would require background checks for all gun purchases, outlaw magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, expand a ban on assault weapons, require guns to be stored more safely and toughen the enforcement of existing gun laws. His proposal is similar to what the Obama administration is seeking to enact nationally. NEW YORK TIMES
