Christie On Guns: A 'National Discussion' Is Immediately Warranted
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Wednesday that gun control is among the issues that must be examined to prevent tragedies like the deadly elementary school shootings in Newtown, Conn.
Speaking Wednesday night on radio station NJ101.5's "Ask the Governor" show, Christie said Americans must engage in a "national discussion" about gun control.
He also said that conversation should include efforts to erase the stigmas associated with mental health treatment and deal with violence that's prevalent in video games, television shows and movies.
Christie said New Jersey has the second toughest gun laws in the nation, behind New York. He also noted that he has supported those laws as governor and as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.
President Barack Obama has called for a January deadline for new gun control recommendations in the wake of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which left 20 children and six adults dead.
Vice President Joe Biden, a longtime gun control advocate, will lead a team that will include members of Obama's administration and outside groups. The departments of Justice, Education, Health and Human Services and Homeland Security will all be part of the process.
Proposals are likely to include a renewal of the assault weapons ban that was allowed to expire in 2004, a ban on high-capacity ammunition clips, and requiring background checks for all gun sales. Right now, only about 60 percent of sales are scrutinized.
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