Biden to address gun violence conference in Conn.

DANBURY, Conn. (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden plans to speak at a gun violence conference a few miles from the scene of last year's Newtown, Conn., school shooting massacre.

The conference is to push President Barack Obama's gun control proposals and is taking place in Danbury. It was organized by members of Connecticut's congressional delegation including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who says the proximity to Newtown is of "symbolic significance."

Other officials including U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan and the parents of one of the 20 children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December also are scheduled to address the conference Thursday at Western Connecticut State University.

Gun makers and lobbyists weren't invited to participate.