Biden Speaks On Gun Control At Girard College - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

In the wake of a tragic shooting in his adopted home town, Vice President Joe Biden spoke at Girard College Monday afternoon to clear up the Obama administration's push for tighter gun laws.

He assured the media present that the administration was in no way trying to take away the right to own guns for hunting and self-defense purposes. The main purpose is to eliminate the sale of high-capacity assault weapons.

"Fewer people are being shot but more people are dying," the vice president said, citing high-capacity magazines and large--caliber bullets as a cause.

Biden spoke of the "clear consensus" on the need for universal background checks and how important it will be to provide affordable mental health care.

He also noted the need for best practices between schools and law enforcement to ensure the safety of the nation's children.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said that there are currently over 600,000 names of people who should not be allowed to purchase weapons not uploaded into the system, supporting Biden's point that America needs to have all these individuals listed in one place.

"There is no conflict with any of the things suggested here today with the Second Amendment and the right of legitimate citizens to own and bear arms for their own self-protection," Biden said