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Obama Travels To Colorado To Talk New Gun Laws

DENVER (CBS4)- President Barack Obama is traveling to Colorado next week to discuss the state's new gun control laws with law enforcement and community leaders.

The president met with relatives of victims of gun violence in Washington, DC on Thursday. He's pushing for legislation that would expand background checks nationwide in hopes of avoiding another tragedy like what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary in December of last year.

"We need everybody to remember how we felt 100 days ago and make sure what we said at that time isn't just a bunch of platitudes," said Obama.

The event was part of a "National Day to Demand Action." Gun control advocates rallied behind the president's call.

"Gun violence menaces all communities in Colorado and across the country. Whether urban, suburban or rural. And we need to do something about it," said Golden Mayor Marjorie Sloan.

Those who oppose tighter restrictions are also making their voices heard.

Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith said he won't enforce federal gun laws he believes are unconstitutional.

"I hope this is a turning point that the president isn't out here on a campaign visit. Don't come and preach to us. We don't need that. We know our communities," said Smith.

Obama is scheduled to come Wednesday. The White House says the president will meet with law enforcement and community leaders to discuss the gun control package signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Colorado has gone farther than any state outside the northeast in passing new gun laws. The state now prohibits the sale of magazines that hold more than 15 bullets and requires background checks for all private gun sales. Democrats passed the laws over strong Republican objections. Democrats said they were reacting to massacres at an Aurora movie theater and a Connecticut elementary school. Obama has been unable to get similar measures through Congress.

The latest CBS News poll shows American support for stricter gun laws has fallen since the Sandy Hook shooting from 57 to 47 percent.

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