Gun Owners Grill Obama At Town Hall

A series of mass shootings has punctuated Obama's time in office, and after he neglected to convince congress to toughen up firearm laws, the president said he needed to have a national debate about guns in his last year in office. Obama, who said he had never owned a gun, has reprimanded congress for being beholden to the National Rifle Association, a powerful lobby group that fights any action that may infringe on Americans' established right to bear arms.

Guns are a potent issue in United States politics. The NRA is dreaded and appreciated in Washington for its capacity to mobilize weapon owners. Congress has not recognized major gun-control legislation since 1990s. The NRA sat out the town corridor, aired live on CNN from university only kilometers from the group's Virginia headquarters, calling it a public relations spectacle.

Taya Kyle, widow of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle who was killed at a gun range and portrayed in the film American Sniper, said laws would not stop individuals with criminal purpose.

Kimberly Corban, a survivor of a sexual assault who said she carried a weapon to secure herself and her two kids, told Obama that she felt his changes infringed on her rights. Obama told Corban his recommendations would not make it harder for law-abiding individuals like her to purchase a gun, yet could some criminals.

Obama announced his most recent technique earlier this week to help background checks for gun purchasers, wiping away tears as he recalled the 20 children and six adults gunned down at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012.

Obama looked for tougher laws after the Newtown massacre but said he was foiled by the NRA. He has rolled out his changes utilizing his executive powers, enraging Republicans who say he has violated his authority.

The White House has said the actions are legal, although lawful difficulties are normal. Obama, who will dedicate time this year to crusading for Democrats running for November elections, pledged he would not campaign for any candidate who did not back gun reforms.