WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — President Barack Obama visited the logging community of Roseburg, Oregon to highlight his campaign for gun control, but instead faced hundreds of angry protestors determined to protect their rights to own lethal weapons, according to US media reports.
Obama’s motorcade arrived at Roseburg High School at 12.40 pm local time on Friday afternoon, NBC News reported.
The President’s motorcade was viewed by crowds that appeared equally divided between supporters and critics who were carrying pro-gun and Second Amendment banners, the report noted.
Obama has since the massacre repeatedly called for improved gun control laws. The United States continues to have the weakest national laws and safeguards in the industrialized and democratic worlds.
However, the White House said the president was visiting the town only to meet privately with the families of victims and survivors, and would not speak publicly on gun issues there.
Many in the crowd awaiting the President at the local airport were openly carrying guns, according to media reports.
The Second amendment to the US Constitution guarantees the right of Americans to keep and bear arms.