Obama to stump for victim disarmament

President Obama will promote his plan to battle gun violence on Monday in Minneapolis because that community is doing some of the things he wants to see nationally.

Minneapolis has launched a youth violence initiative that has seen some success; and sheriffs in Minnesota have worked to improve the state's background check system for gun buyers.

During his visit Monday, Obama will "discuss with local leaders and law enforcement officials his comprehensive set of common sense ideas to reduce gun violence," the White House says.

The president has called for universal background checks, renewal of an assault weapons ban, and restrictions on the size of ammunition magazines, as well as new school safety and mental health programs.

The gun-control push comes in the wake of a series of mass shootings, including the Dec. 14 attack on an elementary school in Connecticut that killed 20 children and six adults.

Obama has vowed to promote his plan in appearances across the country.

Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau and Hennepin County Sheriff Richard Stanek were among the local law enforcement officials who met at the White House this week with Obama and Vice President Biden, who helped develop the White House plan.

"Minneapolis is a city that has taken important steps to reduce gun violence and foster a conversation in the community about what further action is needed," said a White House statement. "President Obama will visit with members of the community about their experiences and discuss additional steps that can be taken at the federal level to reduce gun violence."