President Obama announced anti-gun violence proposals recommended by the White House task force chaired by Vice President Joe Biden. In his remarks he outlined proposals for legislative and executive actions to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, implement universal background checks for all gun buyers, and to establish mental health and school safety measures. 
The task force was formed in response to the December 14, 2012, elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. President Obama also read portions of letters received about gun violence by some of the children who joined him on the dais.