Ryan Joins U.S. Mayors Calling For Action on Guns

Binghamton Mayor Matthew Ryan is one of several hundred mayors from across the United States who today called on President Obama to take steps to address gun-related issues in the aftermath of the Connecticut school shooting.

Ryan is a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns. The group has sent a letter to the president urging him to put forward a "common sense" agenda to make it harder for "dangerous people" to possess guns.

Among other things, the mayors are calling for a requirement that every gun buyer pass a criminal background check.

Speaking earlier this week on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Ryan expressed hope that a dialogue would get underway to develop some solutions to the gun violence occurring across the country.

Ryan acknowledged the problem can't be addressed with a single solution.

The mayor noted many of the gun-related deaths in the United States each year are linked to illegal weapons.

Ryan said "it's just ridiculous" how easy it is for people to obtain guns. He said it's time to ban the sale of assault weapons.

President Obama this afternoon announced the establishment of a task force to develop steps to reduce gun violence.

Obama said Vice President Joseph Biden will oversee the task force.