President Barack Obama addressed questions from gun rights supporters at a town hall event on Thursday, disputing critics who suggest gun control laws aren't worthwhile because they won't prevent every death.
Taya Kyle, widow of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, was the first to address the president. She questioned the ability of a piece of legislation or an executive order to deter those with malicious intent, and asked if it would be better to focus on the positive changes throughout the country, like the ongoing decline in violent crime.
"We want to think that we can make a law and people will follow it," Kyle said. "I don't know that any [attackers] would've been stopped by a background check. We cannot outlaw murder."
She went on to note that as violent crime and murder rates have declined, support for gun ownership in America is at an all-time high. Kyle said that while requiring a background check wouldn't keep someone like herself from buying a firearm, it also wouldn't stop those with plans to commit violence.
Arizona Sheriff Paul Babeu, who announced his campaign for Congress last year, also asked the president what purpose new laws would have if those already in place don't always prevent weapons from getting into the wrong hands.
"What would you have done to prevent these mass shootings ... and how do we get those with mental illness and criminals [from getting weapons]?" Babeu, who recently called for Arizonans to arm themselves, asked. "That's the real problem here, how're we going to get them to follow the laws."
Babeu's sentiments were echoed by Chris Jacob, the vice president of the American Firearms Retailers Association, who said the country might be better served "if we can enforce the laws that already exist."
"It might create a significant deterrent," Jacob said.
Obama cut off moderator Anderson Cooper when the CNN host asked if there was any truth to the conspiracy that the president was after the country's guns.
Rather, he said, "It's important not to suggest that if we can't solve every crime, we shouldn't try to solve any crimes."
Obama spoke on his new proposals during a press conference at the White House on Tuesday, at which he teared up thinking of the 5-year-old and 6-year-old victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting. Obama emphasized that he's pursuing gun control methods through executive action because of inaction from Congress.
"Instead of thinking about how to solve the problem, this has become one of our most polarized, partisan debates," he added.
Obama's proposals were considered to be relatively small in nature, meant to add layers to the gun background check system and streamline the process currently in place. Obama, who is kicking off his last year in office, has emphasized that this problem could last beyond his presidency, and is working to outline the next steps that need to be taken.
Pivotal Moments In The U.S. Gun Control Debate
1981: The Attempted Assassination Of President Ronald Reagan(01 of08)
Open Image ModalOn March 30, 1981, President Reagan and three others were shot and wounded in an assassination attempt by John Hinckley, Jr. outside the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. Reagan's press secretary, Jim Brady, was shot in the head. (credit:NBC via Getty Images)
1993: The Brady Handgun Violence Act (02 of08)
Open Image ModalThe Brady Handgun Violence Act of 1993, signed into law by President Bill Clinton, mandated that federally licensed dealers complete comprehensive background checks on individuals before selling them a gun. The legislation was named for James Brady, who was shot during an attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
1994: The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act(03 of08)
Open Image ModalThe Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994, instituted a ban on 19 kinds of assault weapons, including Uzis and AK-47s. The crime bill also banned the possession of magazines holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. (An exemption was made for weapons and magazines manufactured prior to the ban.)
2007: The U.S. Court of Appeals For The District Of Columbia Rules In Favor Of Dick Heller(04 of08)
Open Image ModalIn 2007 The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled to allow Dick Heller, a licensed District police officer, to keep a handgun in his home in Washington, D.C. Following that ruling, the defendants petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.
2008: Supreme Court Strikes Down D.C. Handgun Ban As Unconstitutional(05 of08)
Open Image ModalIn June of 2008, the United States Supreme Court upheld the verdict of a lower court ruling the D.C. handgun ban unconstitutional in the landmark case District of Columbia v. Heller.
Gabrielle Giffords And Trayvon Martin Shootings(06 of08)
Open Image ModalColorado Movie Theater Shooting(07 of08)
Open Image ModalSikh Temple Shooting(08 of08)
Open Image ModalOn August 5, 2012, white supremacist Wade Michael Page opened fire on a Sikhs gathered at a temple in Oak Creek, Wis., killing six and wounding four more before turning the gun on himself. (credit:Scott Olson via Getty Images)
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.