Obama promises action after tragedy

NEWTOWN, Conn. (WTNH) -- He didn't use the word gun once but last night, President Obama promised action.

"In the coming weeks, I'll use whatever power this office holds, in an effort aimed at preventing more tragedies like this," President Obama said.

When asked what exactly the president will do, his spokesman didn't provide specifics.

"No single piece of legislation, no single action will fully address the problem," his spokesman said.

There are an estimated 200 million plus guns in circulation in this country and unless you have a felony conviction or are deemed mentally incompetent by a court you can get one.

But could the Newtown tragedy be a turning point?

A new ABC News-Washington Post poll found that 54 percent of Americans favor stricter gun control laws in general and a majority say the tragedy in Newtown indicates broader problems in American Society rather than the isolated act of a troubled individual.

West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin, a staunch gun rights advocate said today on MSNBC it's time to rethink our laws.

"I don't know anyone that needs 30 rounds in a clip to go hunting," Manchin said.

While one republican lawmakers said if the Sandy Hook principal had been armed, she could have stopped the gunman.

"She takes him out, takes his head off before he can kill those precious kids," Rep. Louie Gohmert said.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been a long time advocate for tougher gun laws.

Today he demanded President Obama and Congress step up.

"Words alone cannot heal our nation. Only action can do that," Mayor Bloomberg said.