President Barack Obama sought on Sunday to calm jittery Americans after the terrorist attack last week in California, delivering a prime-time address designed to underscore the government’s campaign against an evolving threat.
Speaking from a lectern in the Oval Office, Mr. Obama acknowledged the heightened fears that followed an attack by a married couple last week in San Bernardino, California, which he called an act of terrorism that appeared to be inspired, but not directed, by members of the Islamic State (IS).
It was only the third speech Mr. Obama has delivered from the Oval Office, a setting meant to highlight the gravity of a subject.
Mr. Obama’s demeanour was serious but not grim or angry as he outlined a series of steps at home aimed at keeping the country safe. He called for tougher screening of travellers who come to the U.S. without visas and asked Congress to ban gun sales to people on the government’s no-fly list, and for limits on assault weapons.
Republican leaders and presidential candidates panneD the speech. House Speaker Paul Ryan called it “disappointing: no new plan, just a half-hearted attempt to defend and distract from a failing policy.” Donald Trump posted on Twitter: “That all there is? We need a new President — FAST!” — New York Times News Service
