President Obama Grows Emotional Recounting Sandy Hook School Shooting

President Barack Obama introduced a series of executive actions in an effort to reduce gun violence after his previous efforts were blocked by Congress.

Obama was introduced at a Tuesday morning press conference by Mark Barden, whose 7-year-old son Daniel was among the 20 children and six educators killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

“In the three years since those 26 precious lives were lost at that school far too many lives have been lost to gun tragedies in this country,” Barden said.

Barden is also the founder and managing director of the Sandy Hook Promise. He recounted how he introduced Obama at an April 2013 press conference after some members of Congress blocked efforts for universal background checks and how Obama promised that he would not give up.

“I still remember the first Saturday that we spent together and the conversation we had that day,” Obama said as he talked to Barden. “That changed me and I hoped earnestly it would change the country.”

Obama recounted that shooting in the final moments of his speech.

“Every time I think about those kids, it gets me mad,” Obama said, pausing to wipe away tears.

Obama gave the executive order that anyone who is in the business of selling firearms must get a license and conduct background checks on buyers.

The FBI is overhauling its background check system to make it more efficient. Improvements will include 24/7 background checks and providing notification of local authorities when prohibited person unlawfully attempt to buy a gun.

The FBI plans to hire more and 230 additional background examiners.

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) thanked Obama for making a move on gun violence.

“I left the White House today thinking that President Obama just gets it,” Murphy said. “...and like almost everyone I talk to in Connecticut, he cannot believe that Congress has done absolutely nothing to save the lives of the people they represent.”

Other federal agencies are also working toward creating a better background check system. The Department of Health and Human Services is finalizing a rule to remove legal barriers that prevent states from reporting information about people with mental health issues who would be prohibited from possessing a gun.

The Social Security Administration is beginning the rulemaking process to include information in the background check system about beneficiaries who are prohibited from possessing a firearm for mental health reasons.

Obama’s administration is also proposing a new $500 million investment to increase access to mental health care. The administration has also director the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security to conduct or sponsor research into gun safety technology.

Other Connecticut politicians including Gov. Dan Malloy, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty commended Obama’s plan.

Malloy said he has no doubt Obama’s actions will make a difference and make communities safer.

“That’s why President Obama deserves enormous praise for leading on this issue in Washington, just as we have in Connecticut,” he said. “It’s time to step up - and we deeply appreciate the smart, commonsense steps the White House announced today.”

Blumenthal called Obama’s plan “bold, legal and neccesary.”

“As Congress continues its complicity through inaction, I applaud President Obama’s move to save lives and protect public safety,” he said.

Esty, whose district covers Newtown said Congress has been irresponsible and that Obama’s actions clarify current law.

“Background checks save lives,” she said. “Every single day, they stop more than 170 felons – as well as domestic abusers and fugitives – from buying a gun.”

Image via White House livestream.