An emotional Obama unveils plan to cut gun violence

Whether step can make a significant dent in unregulated sales is an open question

US President Barack Obama, with tears streaking his cheeks, launched a final-year push on Tuesday to tighten sales of firearms in the country, using his presidential powers in the absence of tougher gun restrictions that Congress has refused to pass.

The president struck a combative tone as he came out with plans for expanded background checks and other modest measures that have drawn criticism from gun rights groups, which Obama accused of making Congress their hostage.