Obama Unveiling Plans On Reducing Gun Violence

At a White House event with children who wrote him letters after the Dec. 14 school shooting in Newtown, Conn., President Obama is today announcing what he will do — and wants to see done by Congress — to reduce gun violence.

The steps he's taking, as expected, include calling on Congress to pass legislation banning "military-style assault weapons" and expanding background checks for gun buyers. He's also announcing more than 20 executive actions — such as "legal barriers in health laws that prevent some states from making information available about those prohibited from having guns" — that don't require Congressional action.

We'll update this post as the White House event happens. It's scheduled to begin at 11:55 a.m. ET. Hit your "refresh" button to see our latest additions.

The White House is streaming the event here.

Update at 11:51 a.m. ET: The White House Event Has Begun.

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