A cross-party group of US senators say they have agreed on a framework for potential legislation on gun safety.

The measures would include support for tougher background checks for buyers under the age of 21 and cracking down on illegal gun purchases.

Crucially, the proposals are supported by 10 Republicans, meaning they have the numbers to be voted into law.

The senators also called for increased investment in mental health services and school safety resources, as well as including domestic violence convictions and restraining orders in the national background check database for people buying firearms.

President Biden said the plans were “steps in the right direction” but they fall far short of what he called for.

He urged lawmakers to pass the proposals quickly, while making clear that they did not go as far as he wanted.

The president has pushed for far bigger reforms including a ban on assault rifles, which were used in the Texas and Buffalo mass shootings or at least an increase in the age at which they can be purchased.

Tens of thousands of protesters rallied across the US on Saturday to call for stricter gun laws in the wake of two mass shootings.

Nwada Chinweoke Ugoabata Obinwannem News Writer / June 13, 2022