President To Address Gun Violence At Police Chiefs' Convention
CHICAGO (CBS) -- President Barack Obama was traveling to Chicago on Tuesday to push for tougher national gun laws.
Already this year, at least 2,500 people have been shot on the streets of Chicago; that's 400 more than last year at this time. To date, 385 people have been shot and killed in Chicago this year.
Gun violence in Chicago and all across the nation will be the topic of speeches by President Obama and Attorney General Loretta Lynch at the 122nd annual International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference and Exposition.
The conference began Saturday at McCormick Place, and on Monday, Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy joined other top police officials in calling for universal background checks for anyone trying to buy a gun.
Police officials said the current system isn't working, because repeat offenders essentially get a slap on the wrist, and illegally purchased firearms continue to proliferate.
"We recover three guns for every one that Los Angeles recovers. We recover seven guns for every one that New York City recovers. We're not going to relent. We are not going to relent. This is too important. Americans are dying, and we need to do something about it," McCarthy said Monday.
President Obama was scheduled to address the conference at 2 p.m.
